Classroom Paraprofessional at Armstrong Elementary School - 2 positions available

South Washington County Schools; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package including health, Rx,

Life insurance and disability

Job summary

South Washington County Schools is seeking a Classroom Paraprofessional at Armstrong Elementary School. The role provides instructional and behavioral support under licensed teachers, assisting with reading, writing, and math activities and data collection.

The position requires a high school diploma and meeting district qualifications. It includes benefits and a school calendar schedule with potential summer paraprofessional work options.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements.
• Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Ability to reinforce math, reading, and writing skills in elementary and/or secondary classrooms.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, and communication skills.
• Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students.
• Self-directed and able to organize small group reading and math activities with resources and assessments provided.
• Actively participates in district-sponsored training when offered.
• Ability to perform routine computer functions, including email, Internet navigation and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
• Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.
• Communicates with students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and the community in a positive and responsive way that is consistently welcoming and enhances effective work relationships.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of diversity in all interactions and job functions.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teacher in implementing district policies and procedures, including but not limited to emergency procedures, building orientation, confidentiality, student vulnerability, data collection, and classroom management.
• Assist students in academic areas such as reading, writing or math. This includes implementing curriculum, adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the needs of the student under the direction of a licensed teacher.
• May work with students who have learning challenges or behavioral issues.
• Collect and record student data adhering to the classroom teacher’s directions and requirements. Communicates this information to classroom teacher(s).
• Provide services to student as directed by supervising teacher in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of, and a positive respect for, the distinctions between the roles and responsibilities of the teacher, paraprofessional and other staff.
• Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
• Accept work direction willingly, shift work assignments and accepts changing and new job responsibilities as needed.
• Support licensed teacher in utilizing a variety of behavioral management techniques, including redirection and restraints if necessary throughout the day. Supervise students during cooling off time, monitor and document behavior, and implement positive behavior support.
• Maintain a high level of fairness, confidentiality, respect and equity for all students, staff and families.
• May assist in the duties of position within the same classification on an as needed basis. Duties could include, but are not limited to lifting and toileting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

District 833 Highly Qualified requirements

Tools

Microsoft Word

Email

Job description

Position	Classroom Paraprofessional
Location	Armstrong Elementary School
Hours per Day Start and End Times	6.25 hours per day 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.with ½ hour unpaid lunch
Starting Base Pay	$22.25 per hour
Anticipated Start Date	September 3, 2025 or as soon as possible
Available for Application	August 27, 2025 - September 1, 2025 or until filled
Highly Qualified Information	This position is eligible for an additional $.50 per hour once Highly Qualified status is achieved (2 or 4 year degree, OR 60 semester credits OR successful completion of the Para Pro which is offered by the district regularly).External candidates DO NOT need to meet this criteria until after they are hired but are required to meet the requirement no later than May 31st. INTERNAL CANDIDATES MUST MEET THIS CRITERIA AT THE TIME THEIR APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED.
Classification	Program

BENEFITS:
SoWashCo Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support our employees. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. We also offer voluntary plans such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and identity protection, along with flexible spending accounts, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and retirement plans. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting your health and well-being.

Visit our benefits page for more detailed information.

Position follows school calendar with the option to work in other summer paraprofessional positions if interested.

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for providing instructional and/behavioral support to students under the direction of one or more classroom teachers.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist classroom teacher in implementing district policies and procedures, including but not limited to emergency procedures, building orientation, confidentiality, student vulnerability, data collection, and classroom management.
2. Assist students in academic areas such as reading, writing or math. This includes implementing curriculum, adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the needs of the student under the direction of a licensed teacher.
3. May work with students who have learning challenges or behavioral issues.
4. Collect and record student data adhering to the classroom teacher’s directions and requirements. Communicates this information to classroom teacher(s).
5. Provide services to student as directed by supervising teacher in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of, and a positive respect for, the distinctions between the roles and responsibilities of the teacher, paraprofessional and other staff.
6. Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
7. Accept work direction willingly, shift work assignments and accepts changing and new job responsibilities as needed.
8. Support licensed teacher in utilizing a variety of behavioral management techniques, including redirection and restraints if necessary throughout the day. Supervise students during cooling off time, monitor and document behavior, and implement positive behavior support.
9. Maintain a high level of fairness, confidentiality, respect and equity for all students, staff and families.
10. May assist in the duties of position within the same classification on an as needed basis. Duties could include, but are not limited to lifting and toileting.
11. Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, LICENSE, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES):

Required:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements.
3. Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
4. Possess the skills and ability to reinforce math, reading, and writing skills in elementary and/or secondary classrooms.
5. Proven teamwork, confidentiality, and communication skills.
6. Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students. Helps provide a positive learning environment.
7. Self-directed and able to organize small group reading and math activities with resources and assessments provided.
8. Actively participates in district-sponsored training when offered.
9. Ability to perform routine computer functions, including email, Internet navigation and Microsoft Word.
10. Ability to pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests.
11. Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
12. Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.
13. Communicates with students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and the community in a positive and responsive way that is consistently welcoming and enhances effective work relationships.
14. Demonstrates an appreciation of diversity in all interactions and job functions.

Desired:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of basic academics and behavior characteristics of elementary and/or secondary students.
2. Demonstrates good organizational and time management skills.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER