Special Education Para Educator

Sunnyvale School District; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunnyvale School District is seeking a Special Education Para Educator to support students with special needs at Columbia Middle School. You will assist teachers with instructional activities, adapt materials, and help maintain a safe, nurturing classroom environment.

Applicants should hold a high school diploma (AA degree or 48 college units preferred), be fingerprint cleared, and demonstrate strong collaboration, communication, and patience in a fast‑paced school setting.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of grade level and intervention curriculum, child development principles.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques, such as clarification and scaffolding.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster positive relationships with students, staff, and community.
• Basic computer skills including email and district applications.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Special Education team.
• Utilize learning-related educational programs.
• Lead and facilitate small group instruction with minimal supervision.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Communicate professionally and clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Understand and relate to children with special needs.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, such as a computer, copier, two-way radio, or other equipment.

Skills

Curriculum knowledge

Scaffolding

Safety awareness

Communication

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma

AA degree or 48 college units

SPED experience preferred

Tools

Office equipment

Job description

Description

Sunnyvale School District
Position Title: Special Education Para Eduator
PENDING APPROVAL

• Date Posted:
  9/18/2026
  
• Location:
  Columbia Middle School
  

Knowledge

• Knowledge of grade level and intervention curriculum, child development principles, and practices related to Special Education eligibility.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques, such as clarification and scaffolding.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster positive relationships with students, staff, and community.
• Basic computer skills including email and district applications.

Abilities

• Collaborate with the Special Education team.
• Utilize learning-related educational programs.
• Lead and facilitate small group instruction with minimal supervision.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Communicate professionally and clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Understand and relate to children with special needs.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, such as a computer, copier, two-way radio, or other equipment unique to office activities.
• Constructively engage in rapidly changing behavioral situations.

Education and Experience

• Possess a high school diploma.
• An AA degree from an accredited college or university, or 48-semester units from an institute of higher education, or equivalent experience in the related field.
• Experience working in a Special Education environment is preferred.

Required Licenses & Certificates

• Fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Working Conditions:
Environment

• Campus-wide environment and community setting.
• Occasional interaction with emotional, dissatisfied, or demanding individuals.
• Constant interruptions.

Physical Requirements

• Visual acuity to read a variety of materials in both print and digital formats.
• Auditory ability to exchange information.
• Sitting/standing for extended periods.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally, as needed.
• Engage in sometimes strenuous activities with students including running, lifting, weight shifting, and positioning.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Potentially harmful physical outbursts from students.
• Potential for contact with blood and other body fluids.

Terms of Employment

• Salary and terms of employment are described in the Agreement between the Sunnyvale School District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA).

Evaluation

• The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Agreement between the Sunnyvale School District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA).

Postings current as of 9/20/2026 6:18:24 AM CST.

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