Cooper - Special Education Paraeducator

Young World Physical Education; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Paid leave

Job summary

Fort Dodge Community School District's Cooper Elementary School in Fort Dodge, IA seeks a Special Education Paraeducator to support teachers and students across instructional settings, including special and general education. The position is 190 days, with a non-exempt classification and a per-hour wage of about $15.07 plus small credits for college credits or para certification.

Responsibilities include assisting with lessons, supervising students, preparing materials, supporting Individual

Qualifications

• Must have High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to work with students with disabilities.
• Ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with educational activities.
• Supervise lunchroom, recess, halls, classroom, bus loading/unloading.
• Prepare instructional materials and equipment.
• Assist in implementing and monitoring Individual Education Plans.
• Complete Medicaid documentation as necessary.
• Assist with meal preparation and cleanup as needed.
• Follow teachers' and administrators' directions.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional relationships.

Skills

Engage students

Team collaboration

Health & safety procedures

Strong communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Fort Dodge Community School District Cooper Elementary School - Fort Dodge, Iowa Open in Google Maps

Cooper - Special Education Paraeducator

Fort Dodge Community School District Cooper Elementary School - Fort Dodge, Iowa Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in TeachIowa, Iowa's Marketplace for education jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5880907

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 11, 2026 7:03 PM (UTC)

Job Description

Special Education Paraeducator

Supervisor: Building Administrator

Contract Length: 190 days, or as assigned

Job Classification:Paraeducator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3700 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family.

Compensation

• $15.07/hr (+$0.40 extra for 60+ college credit and$0.30 for Para Certification/Sub Authorization)
• All positionsassigned 30 or more hours weekly (typically 6 hours daily) are eligible for a fullbenefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance and paid leave.

Job Summary

Assist teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of students in a variety of instructional settings, including special education, general education, work/community, early learning, and school bus, as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Assist teachers with educational activities.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly educational environment.
• Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures.
• Supervise lunchroom, recess, halls, classroom, bus loading/unloading, and other assigned areas.
• Clarify and reinforce teachers' instructions and reinforce skills taught by the teacher.
• Chart/graph student performance.
• Assist students with work completion.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students' Individual Education Plans.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment.
• Assist in meal and snack preparation and clean up, as needed.
• Assist in cleaning and sanitizing the classroom environment.
• Follow students' behavior management plans.
• Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities, as needed.
• Assist with instruction in the community setting, as required.
• Lift, carry and correctly position students with physical disabilities.
• Prepare instructional materials.
• Complete Medicaid documentation, as necessary.
• Feed, toilet and diaper students as needed.
• Implement strategies to maintain/increase appropriate behavior and reduce inappropriate behavior.
• Supervise students in community/work settings.
• Follow directions from teachers and administrators.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Provide supervision to students on the school bus, as assigned.
• Attend work on a prompt and reliable basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to engage students with special needs
• Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others
• Ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Amount of Time Physical Activity Occasionally (1%-32%) Frequently (33%-65%) Constantly (66%-100%) Mobility - - X Bend - X - Talk - - X Hear - - X Operate Computer X - - Stationary Position X - - Balance - - X Lift Up to 10 pounds - X - Lift up to 50 pounds X - - Manual Dexterity Tasks - X - Reaching/Pushing/Pulling X - - Sitting - X - Carrying (25 feet) X - -

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Amount of Time Working Conditions Occasionally (1%-32%) Frequently (33%-65%) Constantly (66%-100%) District Office Hours - - X Indoors - - X Weekends/Off Schedule X - - Temperature Extremes X - -

It is the policy of Fort Dodge Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs, services, and its employment practices. If you have questions or grievances related to this policy, please contact Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, rporter @fdschools.org , located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 N 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: [phone] FAX: [phone], TDD: [phone], [e-mail]. (Alternate for Section 504 is Branwyn Greathouse, Director of Special Education/Special Needs, 515-574-5675 , [e-mail], Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501).

Affirmative Action Compliance Coordinator The District's Compliance Coordinator for affirmative Action is Kimberly Whitmore, Director of Human Resources, 515-576-1161, [e-mail], 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The school district will respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school district employees by timely reporting to all relevant agencies as required by law. The District's coordinator for abuse reporting is Roger Porter, Director of Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, [e-mail] , located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 5050 Harassment Complaints and Allegations The District's Officers for Harassment Complaints and Allegations Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, [e-mail] , located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Sex Discrimination and Harassment (Title IX) The District's Coordinator for Sex Discrimination and Harassment is Kimberly Whitmore, Director of Human Resources, [e-mail] , located at Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The Deputy Coordinator is Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, [e-mail] , located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 . Rev. 7/2026

Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA Special Education > Special Education Assistant

Equal Opportunity Employer

All employers submitting a job opening for posting on the Teach Iowa system will not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, or status as a veteran. A bona fide religious institution may choose to exercise the allowances in Iowa Code section 216.6.(6)d. Employers may have additional developed specific equal employment opportunity policies and procedures; please check with employers.

Job Requirements

Contact Information

• Kimberly Whitmore , Director of HR
• 109 N 25th Street
• Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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