Associate Educator (Behavior Resource) - (2026-2027) Dowling Elementary

Minneapolis Public Schools; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

HSA & FSA

Retirement plan

Job summary

Minneapolis Public Schools’ Dowling Elementary seeks an Associate Educator (Behavior Resource) to support classroom instruction and student behavior. The role partners with teachers to implement educational programs and after-school/special education activities in a busy elementary setting.

The position involves supervising students, reporting progress, communicating with families, and providing administrative support as needed. Flexibility with hours may apply.

Qualifications

• Completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment; OR
• Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND a high school diploma/GED certificate (For more information on the ParaPro Assessment, AND
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with children; OR
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Assists students with educational programs and special assignments; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties will vary according to job assignment.
• Assists MPS teachers and staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe and productive learning environment; works with students to reinforce classroom learning and improve personal skills; assists teachers with managing classroom, materials and student behavior.
• Assists students in learning processes; reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages socialization and good communications.
• Monitors and supervises student activities; promotes respect, supports diversity, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Assists students to achieve learning objectives with individual assistance and small group sessions.
• Monitors assigned students, and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files, and keeps records of student progress and activities; assures all required written reports are completed and submitted on a daily basis.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Communicates with parents, students and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.
• Provides general office and administrative support for assigned program.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
• At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position

Skills

Behavior management

Student support

Classroom assistance

Parent communication

Record keeping

Education

60 semester credits in Education/Child Development/Behavioral Sciences

ParaPro Assessment score 460+ and HS diploma

Two years’ experience working with children

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

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Job Title: Associate Educator (Behavior Resource) - (2026-2027) Dowling Elementary and Requisition ID number: 104941

Close Date: No established closing date; open until filled

Organizational Unit: Dowling Elementary (10000020)

Site: Dowling (0180)

FTE:1.0FTE; 40 hours/week; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union: ESP(28)

Salary Range: $27.17-$30.75

Benefits: Dental insurance | Health insurance | Vision insurance | Paid time off | HSA & FSA | Retirement plan

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, assists students in school classrooms with educational programs and assignments, provides assistance to Teachers as directed, and assists students with after-school and special education programs, and special events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and suties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists students with educational programs and special assignments; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties will vary according to job assignment.
• Assists MPS teachers and staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe and productive learning environment; works with students to reinforce classroom learning and improve personal skills; assists teachers with managing classroom, materials and student behavior.
• Assists students in learning processes; reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages socialization and good communications.
• Administers a variety of school programs, student services, community services, special assignments, and educational programs in support of MPS goals; including MPS program outreach & marketing, grant program oversight, bi-lingual & hearing-impaired translator/interpreter, student testing, after [1] school activities, recreation programs, media & technology, security, student behavior support, community relations, transportation, mentoring & tutoring, volunteers, attendance & truancy, English Language Learning, vocational training, accounting & budgets, and special events.
• Monitors and supervises student activities; promotes respect, supports diversity, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Assists students to achieve learning objectives with individual assistance and small group sessions.
• Monitors assigned students, and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files, and keeps records of student progress and activities; assures all required written reports are completed and submitted on a daily basis.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Communicates with parents, students and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.
• Provides general office and administrative support for assigned program.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
• At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position

CLASS DESIGNATIONS

• Behavior Resource: Assist in maintaining student discipline in the school, on the grounds, and at specific special events. Assist administration in communicating with and understanding students at risk. Maintain student behavior thru intervention and parent contact.
• Bilingual – [specific language below]: Assist licensed staff as an interpreter to facilitate the provision of health, education, or other services to non-English speaking, limited English speaking and/or bilingual/bicultural community members.
• Media Resource: Perform a variety of duties assisting the library media specialist in the Media Center, including circulation, shelving and preparation of library, technology and instructional materials. Primary duties focus on 1:1 device support: circulation, password resets, troubleshooting and managing tech tickets. Secondary responsibilities involve helping students find and borrow books, conduct research and effectively use the library space.
• Title 1 Computer Resource: Provide support to licensed personnel in the computer lab. Assist with training students on computer programs.
• Transportation Resource: Establish and provide transportation needs related to students. Works with administration on establishing and enforcing discipline procedures relating to behavior on buses. Communicates with the Transportation Department, administration, and parents on transportation concerns.
• Truancy: Assist licensed personnel in implementing attendance and truancy procedures. Provide support to students with attendance issues through home visits, parent contact, group counseling, team meetings and community agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

• Completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment; OR
• Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND a high school diploma/GED certificate (For more information on the ParaPro Assessment, AND
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with children; OR
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of

• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Classroom policies, procedures and processes.
• If assigned to bilingual class designation, knowledge of specific language assigned
• Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
• Specialized MPS and state agency software applications and procedures.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Safety rules and regulations.

Skill in

• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Assisting children and special needs students, and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure, and working effectively under classroom conditions.
• Administering educational and school support programs.
• Reacting quickly to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• If assigned to bilingual class designation, skill in specific language assigned.
• Collaborating as a team member, with colleagues, staff and community representatives.
• Following verbal and written instructions.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, clients and community agencies.
• Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification required within one (1) year of date of employment.
• Verbal de-escalation and restrictive procedures training may be required within one (1) year of date of employment based on assignment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a classroom and a general office environment, with moderate physical requirements; requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Jobs in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree, long periods of working with computers, and working with children. Must be able to lift 40 pounds; may be required to physically restrain students if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others.

• Bargaining Unit: Educational Support Specialists
• Grade: Group C
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Job Group: Student Support
• Revised: February 5, 2025

Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.