Middle & High School Special Education Paraprofessional

Sylvania; Northfield Township (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Whitmore Lake Public Schools is seeking a dedicated paraprofessional to support students with exceptional learning needs. This full-time role is based at Whitmore Lake Middle & High School, 7:30 am–3:00 pm, during the school year.

Starting wage is $18.76 per hour, with increases based on experience. You will assist teachers, collect data, implement behavioral strategies, and help students develop independence within the general education setting.

Qualifications

• Associates degree, or 60 hours of college credits, or passing MTTC Basic Skills/ETS test to demonstrate Highly Qualified status
• Must be able to implement strategies that foster student independence with the general education curriculum
• Must be able to follow data collection information to support functional behavioral assessment
• Must have exceptional knowledge and skills in working with student behavior management in the general education setting
• Must be able to use CPI techniques and other behavior strategies

Responsibilities

• Assists teachers and support staff in preparing materials, keeping records, recording student progress and other data collection measures
• Integrates support service activities into the program's curriculum and the school day
• Manages and instructs students on appropriate behavior, using positive behavior support strategies
• Collaborates with general education colleagues to integrate students with exceptional learning needs
• Assists in implementing and monitoring IEP goals across related service areas

Education

Associates degree / 60 hours of college credits / MTTC Basic Skills

Job description

Closing Date: Until Filled

Starting Date: 8/19/2026

WHO WE ARE:

Whitmore Lake Public Schools serves approximately 800 students in preschool-12th grade and their families in Whitmore Lake and the surrounding area. Whitmore Lake Middle/High School is a 6th-12th grade building. We are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized education to all. At the heart of all we do is our tight-knit Trojan community including our students, their families and our staff. We work hard and take pride in making every day a great day to be a Trojan. #TrojanPride

SALARY and FTE:

Starting at $18.76/hr, increasing with experience

Full-time position, Monday-Friday during school year, 7:30 am- 3:00 pm

WORK LOCATION:

Whitmore Lake Middle & High School

7430 Whitmore Lake Rd.

Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

WHAT WE NEED:

A hardworking, self-starter ready to be a positive contributor to our fun, energetic school community.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Associates degree, or 60 hours of college credits, or passing MTTC Basic Skills/ETS test to demonstrate Highly Qualified status
• Must be able to implement strategies that foster student independence with the general education curriculum.
• Must be able to follow data collection information to support functional behavioral assessment.
• Must have exceptional knowledge and skills in working with student behavior management in the general education setting.
• Must be able to use "Non-Violent Crisis Intervention" CPI techniques and other behavior strategies.
• Understands how exceptional conditions can interact with the domains of human development and uses this knowledge to respond to the varying abilities and behaviors of individuals with exceptional learning needs.
• Creates a positive, engaging classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriately responds to the maturity level and interests of the students.
• Works as a team member to solve problems, develop and implement quality programming.
• Participates in special instructional activities to meet program and student goals
• Assists teachers and support staff in preparing materials, keeping records, recording student progress and other data collection measures in an objective manner.
• Assists general education colleagues with the integration of individuals with exceptional learning needs in general education environments and engages them in meaningful learning activities and interactions.
• Assists in creating and defining learning targets and communicates them effectively to students.
• Assists in implementing and monitoring IEP through group and individual instruction, including demonstrable skills in following IEP goals to specific related service areas (PT, OT, Speech, augmentative devices, etc.).
• Integrates support service activities into the program's curriculum and the school day.
• Manages and instructs students on appropriate behavior, using positive behavior support strategies consistent with Board policy and the student's behavior plan, if applicable.
• Uses appropriate technologies to support instructional planning and individualized instruction.
• Participates in professional development, maintains appropriate certification and qualifications and keeps current in changing pedagogy.
• Participates in district and school initiatives, adheres to building and district school improvement plans.
• Acts as a public relations agent for the success and image of the district.
• Provides assistance to the operation of the total school program.
• Adheres to district and school rules and procedures.
• Conducts behavior to demonstrate collegiality and professionalism.
• Regular, predictable attendance
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds regularly
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and getting up from the floor
• Ability to see and hear to supervise students and respond to their needs quickly
• Frequent reaching, pushing, pulling, and grasping to interact with students and maintain classroom environment
• Ability to move quickly and respond calmly in emergency situations
• Ability to speak clearly to communicate with children, parents, and staff
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions during recess, arrival, and dismissal

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the Board of Education may be considered. 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 essential functions.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:

Competitive salary structure

Customized retirement plan options

Excellent compensation package including up to full-family health coverage with long-term disability, medical, dental, vision and life insurance

Health Insurance Opt-Out Cash Bonus

Childcare tuition discount

Professional development, career growth, and promotion opportunities

Small school with a positive school culture built on support and collaboration

Whitmore Lake Public Schools, 8845 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, physical handicap, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, political belief or age in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Superintendent's Office, 8845 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI 734-449-4461