26/27 Middle School Para Educator

Geary County USD 475; Middle School; On-site; AUD 22,565 - 23,942; Full time

Job summary

Geary County Unified School District 475 seeks a Middle School Para Educator to support its instructional program by assisting special needs students. Responsibilities include supervising students, adapting classroom activities, and implementing IEP plans under a teacher's guidance.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, alongside essential skills like safety adherence and equipment operation. The position offers a work environment that demands adaptability and effective communication to ensure student success.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
• Knowledge of basic math, instructional procedures, and safety practices.
• Competency in communicating with diverse groups and maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the supervision and instruction of students with special needs.
• Adapt classroom activities under the direction of the supervising teacher.
• Monitor students in various school environments to maintain a safe learning environment.

Skills

Adherence to safety practices

Operating standard office equipment

Using relevant software applications

Preparing accurate records

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

• Date Posted: 5/15/2026
• Location: Middle School
• Date Available: August 2026
• Closing Date: When Filled

Geary County USD 475

Job Description

Title: Middle School Para Educator

Purpose Statement

The job of Para Educator is to provide support to the instructional program with specific responsibilities within the assigned classroom. This includes assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of special‑needs students in the regular or self‑contained classroom, implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior during non‑classroom time, and relaying information to appropriate school personnel. The position reports to the Building Administrator.

Essential Functions

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support and reinforce classroom objectives.
• Adhere to confidentiality requirements regarding all matters pertaining to students and parent communications from certified personnel.
• Administer tests, homework, make‑up work, and other academic tasks to support teachers in the classroom.
• Assist with activities of prescribed programs written by related service personnel (e.g., PT, OT, Speech) for reinforcing instructional objectives, implementing IEP plans, and maintaining students’ social and emotional well‑being.
• Assist assigned teachers in the instruction of students in individual and group activities (e.g., academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills) to reinforce instructional objectives and implement IEP plans.
• Attend meetings and in‑service presentations for acquiring and/or conveying information related to job functions.
• Communicate with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel to evaluate progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Implement behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions under the supervision of the assigned teacher.
• Maintain instructional materials, manuals, and electronic files/records to ensure availability of items and meet mandated requirements.
• Monitor students during assigned periods within various school environments (e.g., rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, field trips) to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Respond to emergency situations (e.g., injuries, conflicts) to resolve immediate safety concerns and direct to appropriate personnel.

Other Functions

• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS: Perform multiple tasks with a need to upgrade skills as job conditions change. Required competencies include adherence to safety practices, operating standard office equipment, using relevant software applications, and preparing accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE: Perform basic math using fractions, percentages, and ratios; read and write various manuals; present information to others; and understand complex, multi‑step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge includes instructional procedures and practices, age‑appropriate student activities, safety practices, computer skills, conflict resolution, and stages of child development and behavior.

ABILITY: Schedule activities; collate data; use basic job‑related equipment; and maintain flexibility to work with others in diverse circumstances. Problem‑solving with data follows prescribed guidelines; equipment handling is limited to moderate difficulty. Required competency includes adapting to changing priorities, communicating with diverse groups, maintaining confidentiality, working as part of a team, and meeting deadlines amidst frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Work under direct supervision using standardized procedures; provide information and/or advise others; and operate within a defined budget.

Work Environment

The job requires some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, along with fine finger dexterity. Physical demands include 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing in a largely clean and healthy environment.

Experience

Job‑related experience is required.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency

Successful completion of 48 college hours or ability to pass a state‑approved assessment within 90 days of employment is required.

Required Testing, Certificates and Licenses

Minimum hours of in‑service per year and criminal background clearance are required.

Continuing Education / Training

Continuing education and professional development are required as per district policy.

Clearances

Criminal background clearance is required.

FLSA Status Salary Grade

Non‑Exempt, Level 4 – $16.38–$17.38 per hour.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Geary County USD #475 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and/or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For questions or complaints based on race, color, national origin, sex or age, please contact the USD 475 Executive Director of Personnel Services, 123 N. Eisenhower, Junction City, KS 66441. Telephone: [phone]. For questions or complaints based on disability, please contact the USD 475 Executive Director of Special Education, 123 N. Eisenhower, Junction City, KS 66441. Telephone: [phone].