Special Education (IES) Paraprofessional (SY26/27)

About the role

The job of Paraprofessional is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings. This job reports to the Principal.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Administers tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance, as needed, and as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs.
• Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students for the purpose of maintaining students personal hygiene.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Maintains instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides, under the supervision of the assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in school.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Qualifications

• Education Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a job-related area.
• Certificates And Licenses: Must have one of the following: Professional Educator License, Substitute Teaching License, Educator License with Stipulations (TBE) or Educator License with Stipulations (PARA).
• Experience Preferred: Job related experience is desired. Targeted, job related education with study in a job-related area.

Information on obtaining a paraprofessional license can be found on the ISBE website - click here for link.

Compensation and Benefits

(2026-2027 school year) Minimum starting salary with a license - (6.0 hours per day) - Step 1/$29,310.90

• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan
• Life insurance
• Long term disability
• Pet insurance
• Flexible benefits plan
• 10 Sick days
• 2 Personal days
• Paid holidays
• Direct deposit
• Employee assistance program