Medium Term Substitute – Special Education Paraprofessional – Resource

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools; Prior Lake (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is seeking a Medium Term Substitute - Special Education Paraprofessional to support students and staff across diverse settings. This role provides academic assistance, monitors safety, and helps implement individualized programs under supervision.

Work includes assisting students in classrooms, hallways, and cafeteria; maintaining records; and contributing to a respectful, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's Degree or higher required or preferred.
• Minimum of 60 college semester credits.
• “Highly Qualified” status via ParaEducator or ParaPro exam.
• If not meeting criteria, must pass ParaEducator exam within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Support and monitor students in classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms, and transitions to maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Assist teaching staff by observing, logging data, and organizing instructional materials.
• Help implement student programs and IEP accommodations as directed by staff.
• Assist with personal care needs while ensuring dignity, safety, and hygiene.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity among students and families.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and data (FERPA).
• Promote positive behavior using approved intervention strategies and school expectations.
• Communicate progress and concerns with supervising teachers and administrators.
• Perform other duties as assigned by building principal or supervising teacher.

Skills

Student support

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Safety/behavior management

Education

HS diploma or GED

Associate's degree or higher

60 college credits

ParaEducator/ParaPro exam eligibility

Pass ParaEducator exam within 30 days

Job description

JOB TITLE: Medium Term Substitute - Special Education Paraprofessional � Resource

DEPARTMENT: Student Support Services

REPORTS TO: Building Principal and Assistant Director of Special Education

FLSA: Non-Exempt

START DATE: September 21, 2026 or later

ANTICIPATED END DATE: December 4, 2026

HOURS/DAY: 7.25 hours per day (6.75 hours paid, plus 0.5 hours unpaid lunch), Student contact days

RATE OF PAY: $19.81 to $22.25 per hour - Category B (2025-26 rates)

Terms of employment per the Minnesota School Employees Association Non-Certified Student Support Personnel (MSEA) collective bargaining agreement.

SUMMARY:

Supports special education staff and students by assisting with educational activities, providing multi-subject academic aid, and monitoring student behavior and safety across diverse school settings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Support and monitor students in various educational settings (e.g., classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms, and transitions) to ensure a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment.

• Provide comprehensive support to teaching staff by conducting objective observations, maintaining accurate student data logs, and preparing or organizing instructional materials.

• Assist in the implementation of student programs and specialized instructional plans (such as IEP accommodations or behavior plans) as designed and directed by special education staff.

• Assist with the personal care needs of individual students as required, ensuring dignity, safety, and hygiene standards are met.

• Demonstrate sensitivity, cultural competence, and respect for diversity in cultural heritage, lifestyles, backgrounds, and value systems among all students and families.

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records, medical history, and special education data in accordance with district policies and legal mandates (e.g., FERPA).

• Promote positive student behavior by utilizing approved intervention strategies and enforcing established school and classroom expectations.

• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with supervising teachers, special education staff, and school administration regarding student progress or concerns.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the building principal and/or supervising teacher that are specific to the needs of the special education program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Must meet one of the following educational criteria:

• Associate's Degree or higher.

• Minimum of 60 college semester credits.

• "Highly Qualified" status through completion of the ParaEducator or ParaPro exam.

• Candidates who do not meet one of these criteria must successfully pass the ParaEducator exam within 30 days of hire.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• N/A

Required Knowledge:

• District policies, procedures, and behavioral intervention standards.

• Confidentiality requirements related to student records and special education data (e.g., FERPA).

• Basic understanding of emergency response, student safety protocols, and incident reporting.

Required Skills:

• Ability to work effectively with students exhibiting mild to severe physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities.

• Ability to lift and move heavy objects up to 50 lbs as required to support student personal care or physical needs.

• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills to effectively manage student behavior and de-escalate challenging situations.

• Clear and professional communication with supervising teachers, special education staff, administrators, and students.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility and stamina to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor educational settings; ability to stand, walk, bend, crouch, and move for extended periods of time; strength and physical ability to lift and move heavy objects or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; visual ability to monitor and supervise student behavior, track data, and read written materials; hearing and verbal communication skills to interact effectively and manage conflicts in various environments; and mental alertness and emotional resilience to work with students with mild to severe disabilities, implement behavior plans, and respond quickly to safety or changing situations.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in multiple settings including but not limited to, special education classrooms, general education classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, gymnasiums, playgrounds, and multipurpose rooms.