Instructional Para Preschool

Durango School District 9-R; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee workforce housing

$1800 one-time staff bonus (pro-rated)

Job summary

Durango School District 9-R is accepting applications for an Instructional Paraeducator in Preschool at Animas Valley Elementary School. This full-time role (0.9375 FTE, 37.5 hrs/week) supports teachers, reinforces materials, and supervises students throughout the day.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, plus 2 years of college or a paraprofessional test; no prior experience required. CPR/First Aid may be needed after hire, with benefits and housing assistance available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 2 years college or 48 semester hours or pass paraprofessional test prior to hire.
• Experience in a school setting preferred but not required.
• Ability to assist teacher with instruction and behavior management.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, basic math and writing skills.
• CPR and First Aid certifications may be required within 3 months after hire; criminal background check required.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher with instructing students and reinforcing materials and skills.
• Maintain technology and assist in supervising students throughout the day.
• Support with lesson plans, classroom organization, and preparing instructional materials.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and engage in ongoing professional development.
• Perform clerical duties and office tasks as assigned.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; 2 years college or 48 semester hours or paraprofessional test

Job description

Durango School District is accepting applications for an Instructional Paraeducator in Preschool at Animas Valley Elementary School. This position will be M-F, .9375 FTE, 37.5 hrs/wk. Includes benefits. Position begins September 8, 2026 or as soon as possible.
**Employee workforce housing available in the 2026/2027 school year!**
**For the 26/27 SY, this position includes an $1800 one-time bonus for staff newly hired to the school district! (pro-rated for late start)**

• Job Title:** Instructional Paraeducator **Pay Grade: **ESP Salary Schedule
• Job Family:** Student Support **FLSA Status: **Non-exempt
• Department:** Student Services and School Base **Prepared Date:** July 1, 2015, 7/1/20; 05/26/23
• Typical Work Year:** 9 months
• SUMMARY** Assist teacher with instructing students, reinforcing materials and skills, implementing curriculum, maintaining technology, and/or managing student behavior. Assist in supervising students throughout the day.
• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** *To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.*

*The frequency and percentage of time of duties may vary based on building or department assignment.*

• May assist teachers with one or more of the following: implementing lesson plans; maintaining classroom; reinforcing skills and materials; administering, scoring, and/or recording assessment information; progress monitoring students; preparing instructional materials; performing clerical duties; maintaining files, records, and/or progress reports; preparing learning environment with needed supplies and materials; tutoring; and/or leading activities with small groups or one‑on‑one.
• Supervise and monitor student behavior during daily activities (cafeteria, playground, hallway, to/from buses, cross walks, field trips, etc.)
• May assist with office duties including answering phones, updating and maintaining databases, maintaining records, directing visitors, preparing reports and correspondence, processing mail, filing, keyboarding.
• Attend appropriate building meetings, in-services, school functions, and/or trainings.
• Engage in ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• EDUCATION AND TRAINING: **High school diploma or equivalent. Basic Skills Competence (Minimum 2 years of college ,e.g. associates degree, or 48 semester hrs of college coursework) OR Pass paraprofessional test (CDE and ESSA qualifications) prior to being hired.
• EXPERIENCE: **None required. Experience in a school setting and/or educational training preferred.
• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS**: None required. May require CPR and First Aid certifications within 3 months after hire. Criminal Background Check required for hire.
• SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & EQUIPMENT**: Demonstrated capacity to contribute to a team working environment and collaborate with co‑workers to solve problems and create a positive and professional work climate. Employs a commitment to customer service and student safety. Interpersonal, communication, basic language, basic math, and basic writing skills. Desire to work with children and children with special needs. Basic operating knowledge of general office equipment and microcomputers preferred.

Technical Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills
• Ability to use proper English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
• Multilingual oral and written communication skills preferred
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work effec ively and cooperatively in a team setting
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.
• Ability to grow and develop knowledge, skills, and attitude through professional development.
• Ability to assist in supporting classroom management systems and reinforcement systems
• Ability to use effective interventions for at risk learners

**MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE: **

• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.

Durango School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Laura Galido, Compliance Officer, Durango School District, 281 Sawyer Drive, Suite 100, Durango, CO 81303, [phone], [e-mail], or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Spear Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, [phone].