26/27 Special Education Instructional Paraeducator, Florida Mesa Elementary School, .9375 FTE

Florida Mesa Elementary School; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 31,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee housing available

One-time $1800 bonus (pro-rated)

Job summary

Florida Mesa Elementary School in Durango, CO is hiring a Special Education Instructional Paraeducator (37.5 hrs/week, 9 months, .9375 FTE). The role supports instructional programs and implements IEP requirements under licensed supervision.

Includes benefits options and a one-time $1800 pro-rated bonus for the 2026/2027 year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 2 years of college or 48 semester hours or paraprofessional test required prior to hiring.
• Experience preferred but not required.
• CPR and First Aid training preferred at hire; CPI training within 3 months; background check required.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional programs in various group settings; implement IEP modifications and accommodations.
• Enforce district behavior policies and assist in crisis intervention.
• Assist with daily routines and mobility as directed by the IEP.
• Support speech and language development and use of alternative communication methods.

Skills

Effective communication

ABA knowledge

Data collection

Behavior intervention

Non-violent intervention

Assistive technology

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2 years of college or 48 semester hours

Paraprofessional test (CDE/ESSA)

Tools

Personal computers

Office equipment

E-mail systems

Job description

26/27 Special Education Instructional Paraeducator, Florida Mesa Elementary School, .9375 FTE

Durango School District 9-R Florida Mesa Elementary School - Durango, Colorado Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Durango School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5894244
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Aug 19, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026

Job Description

Durango School District is accepting applications for a Special Education Instructional Paraeducator at Florida Mesa Elementary School, 37.5 hrs/week, Monday - Friday. Includes benefits options. Begins as soon as possible.

Employee workforce housing available in the 2026/2027 school year!

For the 26/27 SY, this position includes an $1800 one-time bonus for staff newly hired to the school district! (pro-rated for late start)

Job Title: Special Education Instructional Paraeducator Pay Grade: ESP Salary Schedule

Job Family: Student Support FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Department: Student Services and School Based Prepared Date: 7/1/18, 7/1/20, 5/26/23

Typical Work Year: 9 months

SUMMARY: Provide instructional support and assistance in meeting the educational needs of students, under the direction and immediate supervision of a licensed school professional. Services provided will vary based on Individual Education Plans (IEP) and requirements to provide services in the least restrictive environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support instructional programs and provide instructional assistance for students in individual, small, and large group settings. Assist in facilitating the execution of Individualized Education Plans for students under the direction of licensed staff. Implement approved modifications and/or accommodations of curriculum. Supervise and facilitate students in the classroom and a variety of settings that may include the lunchroom, playground, to/from buses, cross walks, field trips, extra-curricular activities, or on-the-job training.
• Enforces district policies regarding behaviors and discipline to help correct behavioral problems and assist in meeting student behavioral goals. Facilitate crisis intervention and assist students with problem solving techniques and conflict resolution.
• Assist students in performing daily routines. May include getting to and from class and bus stops, using toilets, diapering, feeding, medical needs and personal hygiene. May include working with trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization. Assist with student mobility as directed by the IEP and student need.
• Facilitate and encourage speech and language development. May use alternative language such as sign language or voice activated computer systems.
• Implement specialized therapy programs; work directly with therapists on physical progress and Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Assist with documenting when a student meets with therapist.
• Collaborate and communicate with other special and regular educators and administrators with regard to academic and behavioral issues and observations. Provide suggestions, feedback and support to building staff, administrators, parents and outside agencies regarding effective strategies for facilitating learning.
• Assist the licensed staff by helping with data collection, updating records and documentation while helping maintain student files and class records. Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA.)
• Assist with sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning the learning environment.
• Attend and participate in district and building in-service opportunities and committee work.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: High school diploma or equivalent. Basic Skills Competence (Minimum 2 years of college ,e.g. associates degree, or 48 semester hours of college coursework) OR Pass paraprofessional test (CDE and ESSA qualifications) prior to being hired.

EXPERIENCE: Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: CPR and First Aid training preferred at hire; required within three months of hire. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required within three months of hire. Colorado driver’s license and school district small vehicle operator permit may be required for some positions. Criminal Background Check required for hire.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES:

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills
• Consultation skills
• Ability to assist in developing and support the behavior intervention plans, classroom management systems, and reinforcement systems
• Ability to use effective interventions for at risk learners
• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Knowledge of developmental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities
• Experience in data collection and data analysis
• Ability to develop and provide training related to accessing community resources and behavioral intervention practices in all school settings.
• Non-violent and physical intervention techniques
• Ability to use proper English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.
• Ability to grow and develop knowledge, skills, and attitude through professional development.
• Knowledge of first aid skills

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE:

• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers.
• Operating knowledge of assistive technology for communication preferred.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.

Durango School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Laura Galido, Compliance Officer, Durango School District, 281 Sawyer Drive, Suite 100 Durango, CO 81303, [phone], [e-mail], or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Spear Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, [phone].

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $22.20 to $23.56 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > Special Education Assistant

Job Requirements

Contact Information

• Andrea Guttormson , Principal
• Florida Mesa Elementary School
• Email: [e-mail]