2026 - 2027 TA 2 - Special Ed - Highwood Hills Elementary

Saint Paul Public Schools; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Paul Public Schools is seeking a TA 2 – Special Education for Highwood Hills Elementary in Saint Paul, MN for the 2026–2027 school year. The role supports students with IEPs and 504 plans under licensed teacher supervision, with duties across general and special education settings.

The position requires a post-secondary credential (AA/AS/AAS or credits) or ParaPro certification, good communication skills, basic math, and ability to lift 40 lbs.

Qualifications

• Requires AA/AS/AAS or higher or 60 credits toward bachelor's degree or passing ParaPro/Paraeducator with HS diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write, and do basic math; use iPads and technology in classroom.
• Be racially conscious and support equitable outcomes for all students.
• Ability to relate to students with warmth and maintain reliable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Work under licensed teacher direction and support students in general education or special education settings.
• Follow daily schedules and assist with 504/IEP plans and related materials.
• Tutor reading, language arts, math, and other subjects; manage materials and records.
• Assist with checking in/out materials, prep and organize classroom resources, and set up equipment.
• Participate in physical activities and assist with special projects and events.
• Assist with bus duty and field trips as required.

Skills

Reading

Writing

Mathematics

Communication

Typing

iPad/Tech use

Interpersonal skills

Punctuality

Inclusive mindset

Education

AA/AS/AAS or higher

Two years of post-secondary credits toward bachelor's

ParaPro/Paraeducator assessment

High school diploma or GED

Tools

NVCI

CPR training

Bus safety training

Job description

General Information

Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is looking to hire a TA 2 - Special Ed for our Highwood Hills Elementary in St. Paul, MN for the 2026 - 2027 school year.

Minimum Qualifications

• An AA, AS, AAS (or higher) degree, or
• Two years of post-secondary coursework (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) from an accredited institution of higher education which are applicable toward a bachelor's degree, or
• Passing score on the ParaPro or Paraeducator Assessment AND either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. (For more information on the ParaPro Assessment, contact Educational Testing Service at 1-800-772-9476 or www.ets.org/parapro)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Must be able to converse with students and staff as necessary and/or in accordance with student´s IEP.
• Basic skills in typing, copying and use of computers and iPads and duplicating may be required for some positions
• Be racially conscious and support all students to achieve equitable outcomes.
• Ability to develop good relationships with students and staff.
• Ability to be sensitive to the needs of others.
• Ability to relate to students with warmth, friendliness and understanding.
• Must be on time to the job every day.

TYPICAL DUTIES EXPECTED TO PERFORM

The essential job functions of a Teaching Assistant include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties. Able to perform the duties in these various environmental conditions. May be assigned to any of the following Teaching Assistants as needed to support student's academic.

Teaching Assistant 1 (regular education)

• Work under the direction of a licensed teacher and/or other licensed instructional or nursing staff
• Able to follow daily schedule
• Prepared to support all students in the general education classroom, including those with 504 Plans or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Monitor student behavior in the classroom by observing and keeping records. Observe that students are paying attention to their work and completing their assignments. Advise students and direct appropriate behavior. Review and correct student work. Help students with workbooks and other materials. Assist in keeping daily student records.
• Tutor students in reading, language arts, spelling, mathematics, social studies, and other subjects.
• Assist teachers with checkout and check-in of educational materials and consumables. Organize and maintain instructional materials such as books, flash cards, blocks, clocks, and rulers. Set up and take down equipment used in class.
• Prepare, duplicate, and assemble materials for teacher and other professional staff, such as a nurse, social worker or counselor. Be comfortable using technology including iPads. Occasionally do some light typing. Maintain displays and bulletin boards. Assist in program registration and fee collection. File materials and answer phones. Deliver messages and meals to rooms.
• Participate in physical education activities with students. Assist teacher with low-organized games.
• Assist in planning parties and special projects.

Teaching Assistant 2 (special education)

positions may perform some or all of these duties in addition to those listed above. Able to perform the duties in these various environmental conditions.

• Assist in implementing student Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), 504 Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), and sensory plans.
• Support the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms and environments.
• Record data on students´ IEP objectives and BIPs for use in monitoring and adjusting student programs
• Assist students with teaching students to complete functional skills, such as feeding, dressing, toileting and other self-help activities. Maintain toileting area and equipment. Set up meal area and equipment.
• Assist teachers in working with individual students in with communications systems therapy, and discipline across the school day and in all environments.
• Able to be mobile and move around classrooms and the schools to anticipate and meet the variety of student needs.
• Complete Third-Party billing daily
• Provide follow up instruction on Positive Behavioral Interventions and implement de-escalation strategies to avoid power struggles.
• Be trained in Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) for de-escalation and physical restraint techniques. Only use NVCI physical intervention techniques when needed to assure the safety of the student or other students
• Assist in supporting students on field trips

Class 1, Class 2 and Floater Teaching Assistants may perform other similar tasks and duties as required

All Teaching Assistants are required to lift more than 40 pounds. All Teaching Assistant positions may require bus duty. Bus duty includes helping students with disabilities enter bus; lock wheelchairs into place; fasten seatbelt and/or shoulder harness; help keep order on bus; maintain comfort and hygiene on bus. Assist in students exiting the bus; bring students into school building; take students to proper classroom. Escort students from bus safely to the curb. In addition, behavior interventions plans for the bus are implemented

Other Requirements

• Must physically be able to lift more than 40 pounds when applicable.
• Able to sit, walk, climb, crouch, kneel, push, talk and hear.

TA2s are required to be trained in the Special Education Orientation.

Training and Certifications

• Must be trained and maintained Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) and bus safety training and CPR as required.
• Regardless of if you are TA1 or TA2, you may be assigned to a Special Education bus route(s), the following requirements must be completed within 30 days of being assigned to ride the bus: basic first aid, CPR and bus safety policies and procedures training. This required training will be offered by the District's Transportation Department. Employees who have taken this training from the American Red Cross are required to show evidence of completion to the Transportation Department. It is required to repeat this training as necessary in order to remain certified.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

This is a 10-month position working 35 hours per week.

Pay range for this position is: $22.06 - $26.81 TA2

Maximum hiring step = step four (4)

The full salary schedule is listed in the Teachers contract. Salary information for this job posting can be found on the Labor Agreements page and by selecting the "Teaching Assistant" Labor agreement.

Benefit information for this position can be found on the Benefits Summaries page and by selecting the "Teaching Assistants (TA) Full Time" link.

Other Information

• Transcript - Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of hire. You must submit official transcripts within 30 days of your start date. Formal credential evaluation is required for post-secondary education completed outside of the United States.
• Veteran's Preference - If you are an eligible veteran applying for a job where veteran's preference applies and wish to claim Veterans Preference you must submit a legible copy of your DD214 to the Human Resource Department with your employment application. If your claim is approved, five or ten additional points will be added to your final passing score.
• Criminal Background Investigation and Reference Checks - Reference checks and a criminal background investigation will be completed as a condition of hire for all new employees and for former employees who have not been employed by the District for more than six months.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are job duties that the individual holding the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation through the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disability Amendments Act (ADAAA). The essential functions are typical duties as outlined under Responsibilities.

Regular and reliable attendance.

May be exposed to various cleaning products.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Saint Paul Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.

EQUITY STATMENT

SPPS is committed to an equitable workforce where all employees represent this commitment through equitable practices in their job position.