FY25/26 Paraprofessional - Special Education

Oklahoma City Public Schools; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated Paraprofessional/Teaching Assistant to support the instructional program in a vibrant classroom setting. This role involves working closely with students, providing both academic assistance and clerical support to teachers. The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma or GED, with additional qualifications in special education preferred. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on students' learning experiences, fostering their growth and development. Join a team committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required, with additional qualifications for special education.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to communicate with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Supports instructional programs by assisting students in small groups.
• Adapts classroom activities and maintains equipment for a safe learning environment.

Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-solving Skills

Ability to work with diverse groups

Basic Math Skills

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Completed at least 48 credit hours of college study

OSDE Paraprofessional Credential

Tools

Standard Office Equipment

Basic Computer Software Applications

Job description

Position Type:
Paraprofessional/Teaching Assistant/ Paraprofessional - Special Education

Date Posted:
4/3/2025

Location:
Bodine Elementary School

Position Summary:
Provides support to the instructional program within an assigned classroom with specific responsibility for working with individual and/or small groups of students. Provides clerical support to teacher(s) and staff.

Essential Duties:

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials (e.g. art projects, computer, language skills, etc.) for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom goals and objectives.
• Administers classroom assignments for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
• Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lesson assignments (e.g. read stories, providing writing assistance, reinforce language skills, numbers, alphabet, computer learning programs, etc.) for the purpose of practicing and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards.
• Communicates with teachers for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing classroom objectives.
• Maintains classroom equipment, work area, and manual and electronic files and records (e.g. clean/bleach tables, sign-in/sign-out logs, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; providing a safe learning environment; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs general clerical tasks (e.g. laminating, making posters, making copies, bulletin boards, filing, newsletters, etc.) for the purpose of helping the teacher get instructional materials ready.
• Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g. accidents, fights, appropriate and/or inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records.
• May assist in changing all students’ diapers, sanitary napkins, and clothing.
• May assist with those students needing to be fed.
• May assist with personal care, wiping nose or drool, hand washing and body care.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• To ensure continuity of services, alternative work site may be necessary in the event of a health crisis or disruptive situation that requires the closing of school and/or office buildings. An employee’s eligibility for alternative work site will be determined by the superintendent of schools. Expectations and guidelines for alternative work site will be distributed by the employee’s supervisor, based on his/her role and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities Required):

• High School Diploma or GED required and one of the following:
  • Tier 1 Completed at least 48 credit hours of college study
  • Passed the OGET test
  • Pass the Education Testing Service Parapro Assessment Test (passing score is 455)
  • Workkeys Assessment (Passing score is 3 or better on all three parts).
  • Tier 2 (Special Education)
    In addition to Tier 1, a special education paraprofessional must complete the following requirements:
    • OSDE special education paraprofessional training through Pepper, career technology centers, or other state-approved training providers,
    • Cardiovascular Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid, maintaining current certification.
    • Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens yearly training
    • Six hours of professional development each year.
• Must obtain OSDE Paraprofessional Credential ($10 fee).
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including basic computer software applications.
• Performs basic math; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.
• Knowledge of child development stages and learning styles with age appropriate activities.
• Ability to schedule activities, gather data, and prioritize.
• Ability to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and create action plans.
• Ability to adapt, maintaining confidentiality, working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.
• Communicating with diverse groups.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Must have adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on the computer.
• Must have adequate visual acuity to read, interpret and transcribe written material and other required duties.
• Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone.
• Requires some stooping, bending, stretching and occasional lifting not to exceed 25 pounds.
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Individual must be able to physically assist in the evacuation of the students in cases of emergency.
• May periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes stressful conditions in order to meet business needs and strict deadlines.

Work Environment:

• Office duties will be performed in a well-lighted, climate-controlled environment.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or appropriate administrator. Oklahoma City Public Schools reserves the right to, update, revise or change job duties as the need prevails. This document is for communication only and not intended to imply a written or implied contract of employment. The Board of Education and Superintendent may approve alternatives to the listed qualifications.