Special Ed Associate-Jr/Sr High

Fort Madison Community School District; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IPERS

Paid leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Fort Madison Community School District is seeking a Special Education Classroom Associate to provide instructional, supervisory, and behavioral support under the direction of certified staff. The role contributes to a safe, effective learning environment by assisting the classroom teacher and staff, working with small groups or individuals, and maintaining consistent expectations throughout the day.

The position runs 7 hours per day across 178 work days, beginning August 17, 2026.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; ability to support reading, writing and mathematics instruction.
• Must meet one of the following: two years of college, an associates degree or higher, Para certification, or NCRC Bronze.
• Able to follow district training, guidelines and IEPs with supervision from licensed staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist in classroom routines and transitions; support with technology use (Chromebooks) per guidelines.
• Inform teachers of behaviors needing attention; support students with positive behavior strategies.
• Supervise bus, lunchroom, and classrooms; ensure safety and orderly transitions.
• Support students with varying paces; monitor behavior and provide redirection when needed.
• Collaborate with administrative staff during incidents; model respectful language.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of college study

Associates degree or higher

Para certification (Board of Educational Examiners)

NCRC Bronze Level

Job description

Hours: 7 work hours per day (schedule determined by building admin)

Days: 178 Work Days; Beginning August 17,2026 (days prorated if hired after the start of the year)

Pay Rate: $14.50 per hour

Reports To: Classroom Teacher and Building Administration

Position Summary

The special education classroom associate provides instructional, supervisory and behavioral support to students under the direction of the certified teaching staff and building principal. The associate contributes to a safe and effective learning environment by assisting classroom teacher, working with small groups or individual students and maintaining consistent expectations throughout the school day.

The special education classroom associate provides instructional, supervisory and behavioral support to students under the direction of the certified teaching staff and building administration. The associate contributes to a safe and effective learning environment by assisting classroom teacher, working with small groups or individual students and maintaining consistent expectations throughout the school day.

A positive and encouraging attitude can greatly impact a student's learning experience and overall well-being.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up classroom routines and transitions, such as greeting students and ensuring that classroom technologies (e.g., Chromebooks) follow established guidelines.
• Inform the teacher promptly of observed behaviors needing further attention or that may require office intervention.
• Be familiar with established protocols for office-handled Work with classroom teachers to support students needing assistance.
• Assist in managing student behavior with positive behavior strategies.
• Follow classroom expectations from multiple teachers and building expectations from administration.
• Supervise and maintain discipline in the bus area, lunchroom, classrooms, in traffic congested areas and during transitions.
• Help maintain a supportive and compassionate classroom climate.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all students by executing school emergency procedures and protocols effectively during drills and real emergencies.
• Must be able to work patiently with maturing students, as they often have varying learning paces, and may display impulsive or reactive behaviors.
• Help monitor student behavior and provide immediate redirection when minor incidents (e.g., brief disrespectful language, mild disruptions) occur.
• Work closely with administrative staff during incidents requiring escalation to ensure that appropriate office-handled protocols are followed.
• Model appropriate language and behavior, ensuring that all students adhere to the school's expectations for respectful dialogue.
• Must follow and carryout student IEP's at the guidance of the special ed Consult with Special Education Teacher in an ongoing basis.
• May require assisting students with mobility or physical needs.
• Monitor classroom technology to ensure that students use digital tools appropriately, in line with guidelines for using school technology to prevent misuse or misinterpretation of communication.

Requirements Include But Not Limited To

• Establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students, staff, and others contacted in the course of the work.
• Assist teachers and students in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to classrooms, small groups, and potential one‑on‑one situations.
• Supervise and maintain discipline in the bus area, lunchroom, classrooms, in traffic congested areas and during transitions.
• Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, families and others.
• Be supportive in the learning environment while maintaining the dignity and respect of the students.
• Complete Mandatory CPI training if required.
• Complete district required training and participate in professional development.
• Attend work regularly and promptly‑FMCSD attendance expectation for staff is 95%.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum‑High school diploma or GED; plus:

• The qualified applicant must meet a rigorous standard of quality and be able to demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics (or, as appropriate, reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness).
• The qualified applicant must also have one of the following:

• Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
• Obtained an Associates (or higher) degree; or
• Obtained voluntary Para certification through the Board of Educational Examiners; or
• Obtained an NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificate, Bronze Level)

Applicants who are offered a position and qualify to be hired; are required to complete the NCRC before starting in the school district if one of the above is not already met. Proof of above will be required during the hiring process.

• New associates must complete a 45‑work day probation.

Benefits

• This position includes a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes IPERS, paid personal/sick leave and medical/dental/vision insurance.

Physical Requirements

Bending, carrying, climbing, driving, lifting, pushing/pulling, reaching, sitting, standing, walking.

The Fort Madison Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.