Paraprofessional

We are seeking caring individuals to work one-on-one (and/or in small groups) with children that have special needs. The paraprofessional supports the child with academics and social-emotional needs, working alongside a team of teachers to determine best-practice strategies.

About the role

• Work one-on-one with a child who has special needs
• Assist the child in the regular classroom and throughout their day
• Use various strategies to help the child succeed in their learning environment
• Collaborate with a team of educators to implement an Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Full-time, 10-month position (8 am–3:30 pm)

Responsibilities

• Support a K–8 student in classroom learning
• Create safe, positive classroom environments for learning and personal growth
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students
• Utilize intentional processes such as class meetings and inquiry-based learning to foster social connections

Who We Are

Premier Charter School is a public charter school in Saint Louis serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. As the first charter school in the city, we focus on building both a strong academic foundation and the social-emotional skills needed for success in high school and beyond. We develop curious and empowered learners through whole-child development and research-based practices such as Project-Based Learning.

• National School of Character: The first charter school in the St. Louis area designated as both a state and national school of character.
• Diverse community: We serve students from 27 of the 29 zip codes in the city of Saint Louis. Languages spoken include Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, English, French, Italian, Lao, Oromo, Polish, Somali, Spanish, Thai, Tigrinya, Vietnamese, Yoruba, and more.
• Mission-focused: Our work is guided by our North Star, emphasizing both academic excellence and social-emotional growth.
• Supportive professional learning environment: We empower staff through continuous education and resources to foster leadership and growth.

Qualifications

We seek effective communicators and lifelong learners who are culturally responsive, embrace project-based learning, and love building relationships with children. Ideal candidates demonstrate the following traits:

• Academically skilled: Mastery in core content areas, excellent literacy skills, math proficiency, and habits for continuous learning.
• Curious: Genuine curiosity about the world, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and commitment to collaboration.
• Empowered: Ability to make choices that positively impact themselves and their community, with a strong moral compass and respect for others.
• Emotionally Intelligent: Ability to identify, express, and manage emotions in challenging situations, with deep self-reflection and empathy.
• Appreciative of Difference: Actively seeks out diverse viewpoints and perspectives, valuing others with different belief systems and experiences.

Requirements

• Obtain 60 college credit hours or pass the ParaPro Assessment (before September 23, 2013) or the Paraprofessional Assessment (September 23, 2013 or after) or complete the 20HR Substitute Certificate Course.
• Work under the direct supervision of an appropriately certified teacher to provide instructional assistance.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. (We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.)

Preferred Experience

• Experience with children with special needs
• Experience in a classroom setting

Pay

Starting at $19/hour, based on experience.

Benefits

• Medical: Plan through UnitedHealthcare covering medical and prescription drugs. Eligible for spouses, domestic partners, and children under 26. High Deductible Health Care Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) includes an employer match of 25% up to $5,300 per school year.
• Dental: Plan through Cigna covering preventive care and orthodontia. Eligible for spouses, domestic partners, and children under 26.
• Vision: Plan through Cigna providing annual exams, frames, lenses, and contacts. Eligible for spouses, domestic partners, and children under 26.
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death, and Disability: Life/AD&D insurance through UnitedHealthcare at 1x annual salary (up to $50,000). Voluntary Life/AD&D available for spouses, domestic partners, and children. Short and Long-Term Disability coverage provided at no cost, replacing 60% of base salary (STD: up to $1,250/week for 11 weeks; LTD: up to $7,500/month after 90 days). Maternity/paternity leave includes 4–6 weeks paid by short-term disability.
• Personal and Sick Days: 10 personal/sick leave days, plus 6 sick, 2 personal, and 2 self-care days. 10 paid days maternity/paternity leave for birth or adoption, with additional unpaid time off following FMLA guidelines.
• Pension and Retirement: Participation in the Public School Retirement System of the City of St. Louis (PSRSSTL), a pension fund funded by member contributions, employer contributions, and investment earnings. Learn more.
• On-site Daycare: Warm, welcoming daycare for ages newborn to five years with reasonable tuition rates (based on availability). Flexible staff accommodates school schedules, including breastfeeding/pumping needs.
• Wellness Programs:
  • Annual wellness fair focusing on staff health and wellness
  • Healthy snacks provided throughout the year
  • Discounted on-site fitness programs (e.g., yoga)
  • On-site fitness center available to staff
  • Teambuilding activities including school volleyball, social hours, mid-year, and year-end celebrations