Education Support Professional (Special Education: Therapeutic Education Alternative)

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT 917; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT 917 is seeking an Education Support Professional for the Therapeutic Education Alternative Program to assist students with special needs in achieving their IEP goals. This role includes collaboration with educators and therapists to provide support and education tailored to individual student needs.

The ideal candidate will possess two years of higher education, pass the ParaPro assessment or hold an Associate's degree, and have a genuine ability to engage with students using a professional and empathetic approach.

Qualifications

• Willingness to work with students receiving a high level of special education services.
• Two years of study at an institution of higher education or an Associate's degree is required.
• Experience working with children or special needs individuals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teacher in providing instruction and managing student educational programming.
• Utilize proactive behavior management techniques and redirect inappropriate behaviors.
• Collaborate with staff to meet students' needs and maintain a positive work environment.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Behavior Management

Education

Two years of study at an institution of higher education or Associate's degree

ParaPro assessment passing score

Job description

Date Posted: June 16, 2026

Position Title: Education Support Professional, Special Education

Assignment Location: Lebanon Education Center, Apple Valley, MN, in the Therapeutic Education Alternative (TEA) Program

Hours per Day: 7.5

Schedule: 7:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, following school calendar as assigned

Anticipated Start Date: June 26, 2026

Starting At: Starting pay rate: $22.55/ hour per the Education Support Professional Contract

Position Overview

Under the guidance of the classroom teacher and the direct supervision of program assistant directors/principals, our ESP aids students in meeting their individualized education plan (IEP) goals in areas such as educational, communication, emotional, physical, and behavioral. ESP work with students individually and in small groups on these goal areas, along with additional goals set by speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, mental health practitioners, and other professionals working with students. In this role, one helps model and encourage respect, communication, and competency during student work tasks and during socialization. Professionalism, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach are essential when working with students receiving special education services to ensure their safety and growth and in order to help them understand and exhibit appropriate behaviors at school and in the community. A paraprofessional is part of a team environment, where collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key to the success of the team and the success of the students. The ESP role is performed following District policy and State/Federal Laws.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teacher in providing instruction and managing student educational programming.
• Adapt instructional materials, equipment, or strategies, under the direction of the teacher or other professionals, to provide differentiated instruction, accomplish objectives and meet student needs.
• Implement charting, data collection, paperwork preparation, and other monitoring techniques to ensure student success in a variety of areas, such as behavioral, social, and educational.
• Assist licensed staff in the implementation of classroom management and behavioral interventions, creating an environment appropriate for learning.
• Utilize proactive behavior management techniques, reinforcing positive behaviors, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and redirecting inappropriate behaviors. May be required to use physical restraints.
• Assist students in their daily routines, including escorting students during arrival and departure and to special classes or therapy, providing supervision in school areas such as lunch, the playground or gym, and at school related activities off site.
• Facilitate activities with a student or small group under the direction of the teacher, therapist or other related services staff.
• Assist students with developing appropriate social skills and behavior, through a variety of methods including modeling, lessons, incentive plans, and charting.
• Help to maintain safety of all students and the environment.
• Collaborate with related service personnel, teachers, fellow assistants, and other program/school staff in order to meet the needs of students and maintain a positive work environment for all.
• Participate in training/in-service as assigned, in accordance to the contract.
• Perform other job‑related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Willingness and ability to work with students receiving a high-level of special education services.
• Must be highly qualified: Two years of study at an institution of higher education with the ability to provide transcripts showing 60 completed semester credits, an Associate's (or higher) degree, OR a passing score on the ParaPro assessment.
• Previous experience working with children and/or individuals with special needs, with general knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in the teaching of students. Other work history may be considered.
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team with staff, parents, and the community through the building and maintaining of collaborative and positive relationships.
• Willingness to complete training in Professional Crisis Management and implement restrictive procedures.
• Ability to obtain PCA certification from the Department of Human Services.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication that is maintained during high-stress and crisis situations.
• Ability and desire to work with assistive technology.
• Basic computer and email skills. Proficient in core educational subject areas.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds weight and up to adult-size body weight with two-to-three-person lift.
• Ability to support a student's full body weight up to adult size.
• Frequently requires standing, walking, lifting, bending, leaning, and repetitive motions.
• Occasionally requires sitting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to tolerate sudden jarring movement.
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may require wearing of personal protective equipment.
• Locations are generally moderately noisy.

Intermediate School District 917 is an equal opportunity employer.