k-12 Special Education Paraprofessional 26-27 SY

Young World Physical Education; Kirksville (MO); On-site; USD 23,212; Full time

Job summary

A local education institution is seeking a dedicated K-12 Special Education Paraprofessional in Kirksville, Missouri. This full-time position offers a salary of $16.85 per hour. The role involves providing academic and personal support to students with disabilities, ensuring they achieve success in their education. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and experience working with students with disabilities is preferred. The ideal candidate will have the ability to respond calmly in high-pressure situations and work collaboratively with staff.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must attain Paraprofessional certification within 6 months.
• Experience working with students or individuals with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional assistance to individual students or small groups.
• Implement accommodations and support strategies outlined in IEPs.
• Assist in managing student behavior using approved techniques.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

k-12 Special Education Paraprofessional 26-27 SY

Administrative Office - District Wide - Kirksville, Missouri Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5618343

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Mar 31, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

Job Description

KIRKSVILLE R-III SCHOOL DISTRICT

POSITION TITLE: K-12 Special Education Paraprofessional

Minimum Qualifications/Skills Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required. Paraprofessional certification must be attained within 6 months of employment through one of the following options:
• Obtain 60 college credit hours
• ParaPro Assessment through ETS
• Completed the 20HR Substitute Certificate Course
• Experience working with students or individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in high‑pressure or crisis situations.
• Successful completion of district‑approved de‑escalation and restraint training.
• Ability to sit, kneel, bend and move to/from the floor.
• Must be able to lift and assist students, which may require lifting up to 50 pounds.

Contract Days Worked: This is a 9‑month contracted position, aligned with the district’s academic calendar.

Terms of employment: Wage and work calendar to be established by the Board of Education.

Reports to: Building Principal/Special Services Director

Job goal: The Special Education Paraprofessional works under the supervision of a certified special education teacher to provide academic, behavioral and personal support to students with disabilities. This position plays a vital role in fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment, helping students succeed in both general education and specialized classroom settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide instructional assistance to students individually or in small groups based on teacher direction and IEP goals.
• Implement accommodations and support strategies as outlined in student IEPs and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Assist in managing student behavior using district‑approved de‑escalation techniques and, when necessary, restraint procedures in accordance with training.
• Support students with personal care tasks such as feeding, toileting, dressing and mobility.
• Supervise students during non‑classroom times (e.g., transitions, lunch, recess, transportation and specials).
• Collect and maintain data on student progress, behavior and supports as directed by teaching staff.
• Foster a safe, respectful and inclusive environment that encourages student growth and independence.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in all student‑related matters.
• Collaborate effectively with teachers, therapists, administrators and other staff members.
• Attend a minimum of 15 hours of professional development for the first year of employment and 10 hours of professional development each year after the first year.
• Understand and adhere to Board policies and procedures.

Other Job Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned. This does not preclude the assignment of additional or supplemental duties. The District reserves the right to modify the assignment as needed to reflect such duties.

Performance Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation on Evaluation of Support Staff.

Working Conditions

• Requires physical stamina to assist students and respond to dynamic classroom needs.
• May involve exposure to students who display challenging behaviors.
• Work is performed in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds and other school environments.

Essential Physical and Mental Demands

Duties performed typically in district settings to include the cafeteria, gym, recreational areas and other assigned areas.

Physical demands can include but are not limited to: Exerts up to 40 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects including equipment such as audio‑visual.

Frequent walking, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and other limited physical activities are required.

Mental demands can include but are not limited to: Comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, and synthesizing.

Hiring and Employment Compliance

The district's hiring procedures will comply with all federal and state laws, including laws prohibiting discrimination. The district is an equal opportunity employer and hires only citizens of the United States and persons who are legally authorized to work in the United States. The Kirksville R‑III School District will enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program in accordance with law.

See district policy A?

Adoption Date: November 12, 2025

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $16.85 Per Hour