2026-2027 Teacher Associate/Paraprofessional/Therapeutic Classroom

Mount Pleasant Community School District; Mount Pleasant (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Mt Pleasant Community School District is seeking a Teacher Associate/Paraprofessional for the Therapeutic Classroom to support licensed teachers and contribute to students' academic and social-emotional growth. You will work with students individually and in small groups, implement instructional supports, and assist with data collection and assessment to inform planning.

This role requires collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, participation in IEP meetings, and adherence to

Qualifications

• Understanding of SEBMH characteristics and needs.
• Ability to reinforce social-emotional learning.
• Support for Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and with others.

Responsibilities

• Support academic growth while promoting social-emotional skills.
• Work with students individually and in small groups.
• Assist with reading, writing, and math instruction.
• Facilitate IEP accommodations and modifications.
• Contribute to data collection for student programming.
• Participate in staff and IEP meetings as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct.

Skills

SEBMH knowledge

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Self-direction

Education

Experience with SEBMH students

Passion for SEBMH support

Job description

Mt Pleasant Community School District

Teacher Associate/Paraprofessional, Therapeutic Classroom

Job Title: Teacher Associate

Therapeutic Classroom

Reports to: Therapeutic Classroom Administrator

Job Overview

The Teacher Associate will provide support services to children in the therapeutic classrooms located within the Mount Pleasant Community Schools, under the direction of a licensed teacher. The teacher associate will be a member of a multidisciplinary team who collaborates to support the design, implementation, and decision-making regarding therapeutic classroom support.

Job Functions

• Under the direction of a licensed teacher, work cooperatively and in coordination with children and teachers to promote academic growth, along with the development of productive social-emotional competencies
• Work with children, individually and in small groups, to support their educational progress. Expectations of instructional assistance include:

• supportive practice of standards and topics after direct instruction by the teacher;
• supporting students during independent and small group work times;
• using instructional strategies to increase basic reading, writing and math skills; and
• facilitation of IEP academic and behavioral accommodations and modifications;

• Support of appropriate behavior management

• social skills feedback and repeated practice for behavior skill deficits;
• active supervision during all student contact times (move, scan, interact); and
• implementation of student Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs);

• Support activities that facilitate the transition of students into subsequent school placements;
• Collects data for student programming and decision-making as well as to support program evaluation;
• Support data collection process for individual students with and without disabilities;
• Function as an effective teammate and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, partners, school personnel, and students;
• Engage in ongoing professional learning to maintain current knowledge of SEBMH, therapeutic educational supports; and trauma-sensitive and culturally-responsive practices;
• As appropriate, and under the direction of a licensed teacher, participate in staff meetings and IEP meetings;
• Demonstrate cultural competency and behaviors consistent with the core values, vision and mission of Mount Pleasant Community Schools;
• Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality;
• Complete and maintain required records and reports;
• Regular, predictable, consistent attendance is essential; and
• Complete other activities as assigned by the administrator.

Confidential Information

This position has access to highly confidential information so a background check is required.

Education, Experience and Knowledge

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of characteristics and experiences of students with SEBMH concerns;
• Knowledge and skills to support and reinforce the teaching of social-emotional competencies;
• Knowledge of and support for Behavior Intervention Plans;
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), problem-solving, and organizational skills;
• Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrate ability to be self-directed and work collaboratively to solve problems.

Education and Experience Preferred

• Demonstrated successful experience working with children who are experiencing significant social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs
• Passion for helping student with SEBMH needs