Paraprofessional - Special Education - SS

Location: Pepper Ridge, McLean County Unit District No. 5

Reports to: Principal/Assistant Principal

FLSA Class: Non-Exempt | FTE: 1.0

About the role

This position is responsible for working closely with students in a general education classroom who have learning disabilities, autism, or mild behaviors. The goal is to provide the support they need to gain full benefit from the District's special education program.

Responsibilities

• Discusses assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Prepares lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations as needed.
• Presents subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, or supervised role-playing methods.
• Establishes a supportive and sympathetic relationship with students without fostering intense emotional involvement.
• Serves as a resource person to the student personnel evaluation team when requested.
• Supervises students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, gymnasiums, or on field trips.
• Conducts demonstrations to teach skills such as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.
• Distributes teaching materials, tests, and homework assignments, and collects them when completed.
• Enforces administration policies and rules governing students.
• Grades homework and tests, computes and records results using answer sheets or electronic marking devices.
• Completes required reports in a timely manner.
• Teaches socially acceptable behavior using techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
• Works with students with multiple physical, mental, and developmental disabilities.
• Uses adaptive equipment including communication devices, wheelchairs, and adaptive feeding tools.
• Assists students with self-care, hygiene, and feeding as necessary.
• Performs tasks students are unable to do, such as taking notes, handling materials, or holding books.
• May work with or handle resistive students.
• Serves as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of student information.
• Assists the classroom teacher in maintaining a professional and positive classroom environment.
• Performs other teacher aide duties as assigned by the classroom teacher, administration, or Board of Education.

Requirements

• Must have a registered license with the Regional Office of Education #17 at the time of hire.
• Must possess an educator license with stipulations endorsed for paraprofessional educator or professional educator license.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to work with teachers, education support personnel, building administrators, and the general public.
• Ability to enforce school regulations and policies professionally.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with fellow employees and pupils.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to push/pull up to 10 lbs.
• Must be detail-oriented.

Pay

Per the 2026-2027 Teaching Assistant Salary Schedule, the starting pay range is $19.48 - $22.40 per hour, based on experience.