Para Educator

Onward Education; Minnesota; On-site; USD 24,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Onward Education is partnering with a public school program to hire Special Education Paraprofessionals to support students across K-12 settings. This role involves hands-on classroom support, helping students build independence, and working closely with teachers and the special education team.

You'll provide instructional and behavioral support under licensed educators, with potential 1:1 or small-group assignments, and may assist with personal care and mobility as needed in a dynamic school

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students in school, youth programs, or similar settings (1-2 years preferred).
• Able to stay calm and supportive in high-need moments.
• Willingness to assist with personal care and physical support duties when required.
• Strong teamwork and clear communication with staff.

Responsibilities

• Support academic instruction designed by teachers, including 1:1 and small groups.
• Implement IEP accommodations and assist with accessing instruction.
• Support behavior plans with positive reinforcement and de-escalation strategies.
• Collect student data and share observations with the special education team.
• Foster an inclusive, positive learning environment and support social development.
• Provide mobility and personal care support as needed (toileting, lifting, dressing, etc.).
• Maintain confidentiality and protect student/family privacy.
• Possibly accompany students on community outings and district-vehicle use if applicable.

Skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Job description

Onward Education is partnering with a public school program to hire Special Education Paraprofessionals to support students across K-12 settings. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys being hands-on in the classroom, building student independence, and collaborating closely with teachers and special education teams.

In this position, you'll work under the direction of licensed/certified educators to provide instructional support and behavioral/functional support for students with disabilities. Assignments may include 1:1 support and/or small-group support, depending on student needs and the campus team.

Position Details:

• Setting: On-site, school-based
• Location: Dakota County, MN
• School Year: 2026-2027
• Schedule: 6.25 hours/day (about 31.25 hours/week)

Responsibilities:

• Support academic instruction designed by special and general education teachers, including small groups, 1:1 follow-up, re-teaching/review, and keeping students on task.
• Implement IEP accommodations/adaptations and help students access instruction, which may include note-taking support, reading aloud, using technology tools, and organizational supports.
• Support implementation of behavior plans, including positive reinforcement, self-regulation strategies, de-escalation support, and safe transitions when behavior impacts learning.
• Collect student data as directed and share observations with the special education team.
• Promote an inclusive, positive learning environment and support peer interactions and social/communication skill development.
• Provide mobility and personal care support as needed, which may include toileting/diapering, lifting/transferring, dressing, feeding/eating, and hygiene support.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect student/family privacy.
• May accompany students on school-related community outings, which may include driving a district vehicle if applicable to the assignment.

Qualifications:

• Experience supporting students in school, youth programs, behavioral health, special education, or similar settings; 1-2 years preferred.
• Comfortable supporting students with a wide range of learning, communication, sensory, and behavioral needs.
• Ability to remain calm, supportive, and consistent in high-need moments.
• Willingness to assist with personal care and physical support duties when required by the assignment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills; able to take direction and provide clear, professional feedback to staff.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits package.
• Access to a wide network of schools and districts for diverse placement options.
• Streamlined hiring process to get you started quickly.
• Ongoing communication and advocacy throughout your placement.
• Personalized support from dedicated recruiting professionals.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Why Apply?

If you're passionate about creating positive change and supporting students' success, this is the opportunity for you! Work alongside a dedicated team of educators and support staff, helping students reach their full potential.