2025-2026 Paraprofessional III - Cherokee Middle School

Springfield Public Schools; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools seeks a Paraprofessional III to support instructional programs in special education. You will assist individual students and small groups to reach behavior goals and social competencies, and monitor progress under the supervision of teachers.

Responsibilities include preparing instructional materials, reinforcing learning concepts, communicating student progress to teachers, documenting observations, and ensuring student safety during activities inside and outside the

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of job related experience preferred.
• Must have ability to obtain current Substitute Teaching Certificate; visit dese.mo.gov for details.
• Must pass Criminal Background Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in presenting instructional materials to reinforce learning concepts.
• Support students' learning, self-care, and social development as directed.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and conferences to receive and convey information.
• Communicate progress to teachers for needs assessments and progress evaluation.
• Document observations of student performance for written records.

Education

Minimum of 1 year related experience

Job description

Job Title: Paraprofessional III

Department: Special Education

Pay Grade: H171/H172

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Principal

GENERAL PURPOSE

Responsible for providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting individual students in reaching targeted behavior goals and social competencies; assisting in the instruction of individual or small groups of students in a variety of subject areas; and monitoring and reporting student behavior and performance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists teachers in specialized and/or mainstream education classroom in preparing and presenting a variety of instructional materials for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Assists assigned instructional staff in improving student's learning skills, self-care, and/or social development (e.g. cafeteria skills, PE participation, library behavior, proper hygiene, etc.) for the purpose of providing learning concepts and materials.
• Attends meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, etc. for the purpose of receiving and conveying information.
• Communicates with teachers regarding assigned students' progress for the purpose of participating in needs assessments and/or assisting in evaluating progress.
• Documents observations of student performance in academic and school activities (e.g. social skills, behavior, assignments, etc.) for the purpose of providing written records and/or complying with mandated requirements.
• Escorts students for the purpose of providing direction and ensuring their welfare.
• Guides special education students in personal interactions and/or specific student issues for the purpose of developing interpersonal skills and successful problem solving strategies.
• Maintains a variety of manual and electronic instructional files and records for the purpose of providing written reference and meeting mandated requirements.
• Monitors students' performance, under the direction of assigned classroom teacher, for the purpose of providing feedback to students, teachers and/or others involved in the provision of services in accordance with IEPs.
• Reports health and safety issues to instructional personnel, administrative personnel and/or appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Supports students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, field trips, dances, sporting events, school grounds, assemblies, library, computer lab, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Must have ability to obtain current Substitute Teaching Certificate.For more information of how to obtain certification, please visit www.dese.mo.gov.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities; instructional materials and techniques used in Special Education; safe practices in classroom and other activities; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; reading and writing communication skills; and record keeping techniques.
• Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job, including: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to read technical information and compose a variety of documents.
• Ability to analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Ability to work with others under a wide variety of circumstances; working with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment.
• Ability to analyze issues and create action plans.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.
• Ability to adhere to safety practices; meet deadlines and schedules; work under time constraints; and communicate with diverse groups.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• The work is requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or the ability to push/pull/carry multiple times daily.
• Must possess the physical ability to work primarily with fingers, perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.