Special Education Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional

Alma Middle School; Alma (AR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Alma Middle School in Alma, Arkansas is seeking a Special Education Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional to support teachers and students with special needs. The role focuses on small-group instruction, behavioral support and daily living assistance in a safe, inclusive environment.

Starting immediately, the position is 184 days per year, with duties including classroom tasks, student supervision, and collaboration with the special education team to promote student growth and independence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 60 college hours or passing Paraprofessional Praxis required.
• Experience with students in an educational setting preferred.
• Knowledge of instructional methods for students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers to implement instructional activities and support lesson plans.
• Provide one-on-one or small-group support for students with special needs.
• Assist in implementing IEPs and behavior plans as directed.
• Assist with activities of daily living and mobility as needed.
• Maintain communication with teachers, parents and staff regarding progress.
• Monitor students during activities and ensure safety at all times.
• Adapt accommodations and modifications in collaboration with the team.

Skills

Experience with students

Special needs instruction knowledge

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

60 college hours / Paraprofessional Praxis

Job description

Special Education Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional

Alma School District Alma Middle School - Alma, Arkansas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5953514
Application Deadline: Oct 21, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)
Posted: Oct 07, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Position Title: Special Education Instructional Aide/Paraprofessional
Department: Alma Middle School/Alma High School
Reports To: AlmaMiddle/High Principal/Special Education Director
Contract: 184 Days
Closing: Until Filled
Salaries: https://www.almasd.net (under state-required info)

Alma School District is actively seeking an experienced, talented and dynamic individual to join our highly successful and progressive schools. The goals and objectives for our classroom instructional aides include supervising children, teaching small group activities and supporting the classroom teachers. Our ultimate goal is to develop student capacity for problem solvers and prepare students for their future career and life beyond Alma School District. The candidate will also devote his or her energies and efforts toward learning experiences designed to fulfill students’ intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth in a safe environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 60 college hours or has passed or can pass the Paraprofessional Praxis
• Experience working with students in an educational setting is preferred
• Knowledge of instructional methods and strategies, especially for students with special needs

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL SET

• Classroom Support:
  • Collaborate with classroom teacher to implement instructional activities and support lesson plans
  • Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning concepts
  • Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional materials
• Student Assistance:
  • Provide one-on-one support for students with special needs, ensuring their participation in classroom activities
  • Assist students with tasks such as classroom assignments, tests, and projects
  • Foster a positive and inclusive environment for all students
• Behavioral Support:
  • Support positive behavior management strategies as outlined by the teacher or special education team
  • Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or behavior plans for students with special needs
• Personal Care Assistance:
  • Assist students with activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding, and mobility, as needed
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals, such as nurses or occupational therapists, to implement specific care plans
• Communication:
  • Maintain open and effective communication with teachers, parents, and other school staff regarding student progress and needs
  • Attend meetings and training sessions as required
• Supervision:
  • Monitor students during various activities, including in the classroom, on the playground, lunch, and during transitions
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times
• Adaptation and Modification:
  • Implement accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs, in collaboration with the teacher and special education team

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally
• May be required to move students or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs physically
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, and squatting

Alma School District assures Equal Employment Opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position.

Position Type: Full-Time

Contact Information

• Leslee Birchfield , Special Education Director
• Alma District Office
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]