2026-2027 Paraprofessional III - Pershing Middle School

Pershing Middle School; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Pershing Middle School in Springfield, Missouri is seeking a Paraprofessional III to support individual students and small groups in the Special Education program. You will assist with instructional activities, monitor behavior, and help students reach targeted goals under the supervision of the Principal and classroom teachers.

Responsibilities include adapting materials, documenting progress, attending meetings, and communicating student needs to staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 60 college hours completed.
• Job related experience preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
• Criminal Background Clearance satisfactory to the District.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with instructional materials and activities.
• Monitor and report student progress and behavior.
• Attend meetings and convey information relevant to job functions.
• Communicate with teachers regarding student progress.
• Document observations and maintain records.
• Escort students and ensure welfare.
• Support students with disabilities in social and academic development.
• Maintain instructional files and comply with mandated requirements.
• Provide safe and positive learning environments.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Diversity awareness

Education

60 college hours

Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate

CPR/First Aid certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

IEP documentation software

Job description

2026-2027 Paraprofessional III - Pershing Middle School

Springfield Public Schools Pershing Middle School - Springfield, Missouri Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5917432
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 08, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 20, 2026

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

• Assist teachers in specialized and/or general education classroom in adapting, preparing and presenting a variety of instructional materials, activities and assignments, presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Assist assigned instructional staff in improving student's learning skills, self-care, and/or social development providing learning concepts and materials.
• Attend meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, etc. receiving and conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicate with teachers regarding assigned students' progress, participating in needs assessments and assisting in evaluating progress.
• Document observations of student performance in academic and school activities providing written records and complying with mandated requirements.
• Escort students providing direction and ensuring their welfare.
• Guide students with disabilities in personal interactions, developing interpersonal skills and successful problem-solving strategies.
• Maintain manual and electronic instructional files and records providing written reference and meeting mandated requirements.
• Monitor students' performance, under the direction of assigned classroom teacher, providing feedback to students, teachers and/or others involved in the provision of services in accordance with IEPs as appropriate.
• Report health and safety issues to instructional personnel, administrative personnel, and/or appropriate agencies maintaining students’ personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Support students in a variety of educational environments providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 60 college hours completed.
• Job related experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate.
• Obtain and maintain physical intervention training.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required.

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.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $18.62 to $31.91 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Contact Information

• Springfield Public Schools R-12 , Human Resources Department
• 1359 E. Saint Louis St.
• Springfield, Missouri 65802
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]