Paraprofessional (Immediate Opening)

KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) is a non-profit network of 13 college/career-preparatory, public charter schools serving approximately 5,000 elementary, middle, and high school students, and over 2,000 alumni. While each school is unique, we are united around a shared promise: to build academically excellent schools that create unlimited opportunity for all students. With a 20-year track record, KIPP prepares students for success in college, career, and beyond. As part of a national network, you’ll have the freedom to innovate and the support to grow, contributing to the education of nearly 15% of New Orleans’ students.

About the role

KIPP Paraprofessionals provide instructional and student support to ensure every student has access to grade-level learning and social-emotional supports. They deliver targeted interventions, facilitate small-group instruction, implement accommodations and behavior plans, and provide specialized support in inclusion, resource, and self-contained settings. Paraprofessionals may also cover classes, substitute as needed, and help keep the school day running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• General Education Instruction (Tiered Support & Small Groups)
  • Deliver evidence-based interventions (phonics, reading comprehension, math fluency, writing) aligned to teacher plans and school RTI/MTSS systems.
  • Lead or support small-group instruction during core blocks and intervention periods; monitor and document student progress using school data tools.
  • Reinforce classroom routines, academic language, and learning objectives; circulate to prompt thinking, check for understanding, and provide immediate feedback.
  • Prepare materials, anchor charts, and manipulatives; maintain an organized, accessible learning environment.
  • Support assessment administration (screeners, progress monitoring, exit tickets) and enter data with accuracy and timeliness.
• Special Education Instruction (Inclusion & Resource)
  • Implement IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications with fidelity across settings (general education, inclusion, resource).
  • Provide targeted re-teaching, pre-teaching, and scaffolded practice using high-quality instructional materials; assist with assistive technology and accessible formats.
  • Collect service minutes and progress data; communicate strengths, needs, and next steps to the special education teacher/case manager.
  • Collaborate with general education teachers to co-plan logistics (seating, prompts, visuals, behavior supports) that preserve access to grade-level content.
  • Support compliance tasks (student work samples, progress reports, documentation) as directed by the special education teacher.
• Special Programs
  • AFS — Academic/Functional Skills
    • Support instruction in functional academics, communication, daily living, community, and vocational skills using structured, predictable routines.
    • Implement individualized visual schedules, task analyses, and prompt hierarchies; collect precise data on student independence and generalization.
    • Assist with personal care needs (toileting, feeding, mobility, hygiene) with dignity and adherence to training and safety protocols.
    • Facilitate inclusive opportunities and community-based instruction as appropriate; ensure safe transportation and transitions.
  • BSP — Behavior Support Program
    • Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and crisis-prevention strategies with consistency; use de-escalation and restorative practices.
    • Provide high-rates of active supervision, positive reinforcement, and structured choice; track ABC data and frequency/duration metrics.
    • Serve as a 1:1 paraprofessional when assigned: prime expectations, prompt skill use (coping, replacement behaviors), and coordinate with the behavior team on daily goals.
    • Maintain student and staff safety; follow all incident reporting, CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention, and confidentiality requirements.
• Flex Responsibilities (Coverage & Operations)
  • Provide short-term class coverage or sub for teachers per school needs (instructional plans provided).
  • Support arrival/dismissal, transitions, lunch/recess, hall monitoring, and testing administration.
  • Communicate regularly with teachers and families using strengths-based language; uphold KNOS core values and school norms.
  • Participate in professional learning, coaching, and practice-based rehearsal; incorporate feedback to continuously improve.
• Safety & Supervision
  • Maintain active supervision of students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and other school settings to ensure safety and well-being.
  • Be physically present and engaged during the scheduled workday to fulfill responsibilities requiring in-person interaction.
  • Respond appropriately to school emergencies and participate in emergency response procedures (evacuations, lockdowns, shelter-in-place, reunification).
  • Support student and staff safety by implementing behavioral expectations and de-escalation strategies.
  • Participate in required safety, emergency preparedness, and crisis response training.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s degree or 48+ college credit hours preferred (per ESSA/Title I para requirements).
• Experience working with children or youth in schools, camps, or community programs.
• Commitment to inclusive practices, high expectations for all learners, and culturally responsive teamwork.
• Ability to follow instructional plans, collect data accurately, and maintain confidentiality (FERPA/IDEA).
• Willingness to assist with personal care and behavior supports as trained.
• Alignment with KIPP’s mission and core beliefs: Relentlessness, Elevation, Achievement, Community, and Hope.
• All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a professional reference check (including your most recent supervisor) and a state/federal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or 48+ college credit hours (per ESSA/Title I para requirements).
• Paraeducator certification or PRAXIS ParaPro.
• Experience in special education (inclusion, resource, AFS/self-contained) and/or behavior programs (BSP, 1:1).
• Training in CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention, ABA fundamentals, or assistive technology.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Regularly communicate information effectively in noisy environments (cafeterias, playgrounds) and moderate settings (classrooms, professional meetings).
• Move throughout the school campus, including classrooms, hallways, stairwells, playgrounds, and cafeterias; stand, walk, or respond quickly during routine or emergency situations.
• Observe details at close range; maintain visual attention and mental concentration for extended periods.
• Use standard office equipment (laptops, digital devices) and read/analyze data (emails, memos, letters).
• Sit and work at a desk/computer for extended periods; stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and sit on the floor as instruction requires.
• Safely lift and move up to 40–50 lbs independently; assist with student transfers up to ~120 lbs using approved lift equipment/team-assist techniques after training.
• Provide dignified support for toileting (including diapering), feeding, hygiene, and mobility in accordance with training and safety protocols.
• Assist with complex medical needs (g-tubes, tracheostomy care, ventilator support, specialized feeding, wheelchairs/positioning) under supervision and per student plans.
• Work with students who may have limited verbal ability, cognitive impairments, profound disabilities, and/or maladaptive behaviors; implement de-escalation strategies and safety procedures as trained.
• Support students of all ages in inclusive, resource, and specialized program settings.
• Participate in required trainings (lifting/transfer, personal care, medical procedures, crisis prevention).
• Follow health, safety, and confidentiality protocols; use PPE and adaptive equipment as directed.
• Travel to other school facilities using personal transportation as needed.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 100% on-site position. Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work as required. Hours will be established with your supervisor.

Benefits

• Retirement: 403(b) plan with 100% employer match on the first 5% of salary and bonuses; vested immediately.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive, customizable health coverage starting the first day of the month following hire, including:
  • Disability and life insurance.
  • Hospital indemnity and FSAs for health and dependent care.
  • Free dental and vision for employees.
• Paid Time Off: ~30 paid holidays plus additional paid time off.
• Professional Development: Ongoing opportunities for growth and learning.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.