If you love the excitement and energy of the classroom, you enjoy working with kids, and you want summers and school breaks off, then this job is for you!!!  

Only a high school diploma or equivalent required to be considered.*See Minimum Qualifications Section for specifics.  

Starting wage is $16.69-$18.40 based on experience. 

Benefits include: a comprehensive benefit plan, Montana State retirement plan (TRS), overtime eligible, PLUS 8-days holiday pay, 15-days paid vacation, 12-days sick leave and 2 personal days to start.  All benefits are prorated based on FTE of .81.

Internal Screening Begins 11/1/2024

Open Until Filled.

Special education paraprofessionals provide critical support to students with special needs and help to make the learning environment more inclusive and supportive.  They add another layer of support to the student under the direction of a certified teacher. SPED Paraprofessionals perform a variety of tasks relating to the physical, social/emotional, and instructional needs of students in a classroom setting to support academic success and wellbeing.

We make a difference everyday by supporting our teachers and students to ensure our kids have the best education possible and feel supported and cared for!  Our job responsibilities include:

• Assists special and general ed. teacher(s) with classroom tasks, organization, and behavioral management such as small group and/or one-on-one instruction, provides modified instructional support services under the direct supervision of the certified teacher, organizes instructional materials, corrects papers, clerical work, and supervises students. 
• Assists in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) and progress monitoring data; recognizes and responds to student’s personal, educational, and/or social needs.
• Assists teacher in maintaining student records of medical needs and academic records
• Adapts classroom work under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing a method to support and/or reinforce lesson plans.  
• Assists students in their mobility, personal hygiene, toileting, and feeding as appropriate and assigned by the teacher.
• Communicates, maintains confidentiality, and establishes positive relationships with parents, students, and public.
• Supports positive social interactions between students and assists in implementing behavior interventions.
• Operates equipment, duplicates materials, and prepares instructional materials and bulletin boards.
• May provide medical assistance as directed by the school nurse and/or teacher. 
• Maintain awareness of physical and emotional changes in students and report concerns to teachers as appropriate.  
• Organizes, directs, observes and maintains orderly and safe playground activities, halls, buses, lunchroom, and on field trips for students on IEPs.
• May need to transport or travel with students for school related activities.
• Reports any unusual circumstances, unauthorized visitors, unsafe conditions or children who misbehave or violate rules.
• Takes appropriate action in the event of a school emergency.
• Assists in the orientation of substitute aides.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned by the supervisor.
• Works cooperatively with other paraeducators, teachers and staff to maintain a positive learning environment for students. 

We never say we are "just Paras"!  Everyone knows we are Super Heroes; especially our Kids!!!  Below are some of the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities you will either bring to this position or learn on the job:

• Skill, dedication and aptitude for working with staff and students.
• Ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Ability to work under the direct supervision of a certified special and/or general educator.
• Skill in the operation of a variety of classroom assistive technology including computers & computer programs, iPads & apps, smartboards, telephones, and copiers.
• Ability to become proficient and successfully operate computers, word processing, or other instructional software programs.
• Skill in critical thinking, problem analysis and resolution.
• Ability to meet, communicate, and monitor a high standard of safety.
• Ability to obtain and maintain first aide certification upon employment, if required for the position. 
• Ability to maintain effective professional relationships with staff, students, and parents.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain student confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain regular and acceptable attendance levels.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school education or equivalent AND a minimum of 60 credits college coursework; OR, 
• High school education or equivalent AND an Associate degree; OR, 
• High school education or equivalent AND Highly Qualified testing process successfully passed prior to employment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Teaching or tutoring experience with special needs children in an educational setting. 
• Bachelor’s degree in education or extensive college coursework in education. 
• Certified teacher in Montana.
• Knowledge of current instructional materials and techniques. 

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to stand on feet for extended periods of time, stoop, bend, lift and carry items up to 40 pounds.
• This is a Medium Duty job, according to the Selected Characteristics of Occupations Defined in the Revised Dictionary of Occupational Titles, U.S. Department of Labor and Industry.  Medium Duty involves exertion of 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds continuously to move objects.