Para Educator | Cedar Rapids Prep Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids Prep; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Job summary

Cedar Rapids Prep is seeking a Paraprofessional Educator to support students with special education needs under the guidance of the Special Education Teacher and Principal. You will help implement IEPs, assist in classrooms, and foster an organized, welcoming learning environment that promotes student growth and participation.

As a member of a founding team for this new college-prep school, you will collaborate with families, teachers, and school leaders, contribute to data tracking, participate

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved paraeducator certification program.
• Verification of high school completion or equivalent.
• 1-3 years of experience working with students with special education needs preferred.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the classroom teacher.
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for the students and monitor their progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Assist in maintaining the classroom, organization of data, materials and equipment as established by the teacher.
• Establish a welcoming, organized, and inspiring classroom environment.
• Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Build strong relationships with students, fostering a culture of high expectations, accountability, and support.
• Support in providing differentiated instruction and targeted interventions to ensure all students succeed, including students reading below grade level.
• Work closely with fellow teachers and school leadership to align curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies.
• Participate in school-wide professional development to continuously refine instructional practice, including regular data and assessment reflection cycles.
• Engage in feedback cycles with the Dean of Academics and Principal to improve teaching effectiveness.
• Communicate regularly with families about student progress, celebrating successes and addressing challenges proactively.
• Participate in school events, family conferences, and outreach efforts to build strong relationships with families and the community.

Skills

Special education support

Collaboration

Organization & time management

Growth mindset

Education

Paraeducator certification program

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Paraprofessional Educator | Cedar Rapids Prep

About Cedar Rapids Prep

Cedar Rapids Prep is a tuition-free, college-preparatory school that opened in August 2025, initially serving 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, with plans to expand through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and personal ownership, providing a supportive community where students are paired with dedicated advisors to ensure their success. Cedar Rapids Prep offers a private school experience without the cost, featuring top-notch facilities, student uniforms, and rigorous academics. As part of the Opportunity Education Network, the school aims to empower students to lead ambitious and purpose-driven lives.

About the Role: Paraprofessional Educator

Guided by the Special Education Teacher and Principal, the Special Education Paraprofessional plays a key role in supporting the academic growth and character development of scholars receiving special education services. Assigned to a specific classroom or grade level, the paraprofessional will collaborate closely with students, families, and school leadership to strengthen instructional support and classroom management skills tailored to individual student needs.

Instruction Delivery & Curriculum Development (70%)

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the classroom teacher.
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for the students and monitor their progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Assist in maintaining the classroom, organization of data, materials and equipment as established by the teacher.
• Establish a welcoming, organized, and inspiring classroom environment.

Student Engagement & Support (20%)

• Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Build strong relationships with students, fostering a culture of high expectations, accountability, and support.
• Support in providing differentiated instruction and targeted interventions to ensure all students succeed, including students reading below grade level.

Collaboration & Professional Growth (5%)

• Work closely with fellow teachers and school leadership to align curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies.
• Participate in school-wide professional development to continuously refine instructional practice, including regular data and assessment reflection cycles.
• Engage in feedback cycles with the Dean of Academics and Principal to improve teaching effectiveness.

Family & Community Engagement (5%)

• Communicate regularly with families about student progress, celebrating successes and addressing challenges proactively.
• Participate in school events, family conferences, and outreach efforts to build strong relationships with families and the community.

Ideal Candidate Skills and Experiences

• Qualified candidates must have the following:
• Completion of an approved paraeducator certification program
• Verification of high school completion or equivalent
• 1-3 years of experience working with students with special education needs is preferred
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Proven track record of student achievement results
• Strong organization, planning, and time management skills
• Open to feedback and committed to continuously improving
• Deep belief in all students’ potential and a commitment to holding high academic and behavioral expectations
• A growth mindset, constantly seeking to refine and improve support skills
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Adaptability and excitement about being part of a founding team at a new school
• Readiness to go above and beyond, including putting in extra time in and outside of your role, to build Cedar Rapid’s premier college prep school

Compensation

Salary is currently budgeted in a range competitive with local district expectations. The role would pay $18/hour.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Opportunity Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.