Special Education Paraeducator (2026-27)

Newton Public Schools USD 373; Newton (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Newton Public Schools USD 373 is looking for an individual to assist teachers in achieving teaching objectives by working with individual students or small groups. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, with the ability to support students in developing essential skills. Responsibilities include coordinating activities, implementing behavior plans, and establishing supportive relationships with students. This position is vital for helping students achieve their class objectives and requires physical capability for various tasks.

Qualifications

• Ability to assist students in activities designated by supervisor.
• Ability to work with small groups of students to reinforce skills.
• Ability to implement behavior plans developed by the IEP team.
• Ability to assist students with self-help skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the student(s) in activities designated by the supervisor.
• Provide guided practice in curriculum tasks.
• Work with small groups to reinforce skills.
• Establish supportive relationships with students.
• Implement behavior plans developed by the IEP team.

Education

High school diploma or GED

48 college credit hours or associate's degree

Job description

Multiple positions available District-Wide.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or a GED certificate.
• If the applicant does not have 48 college credit hours or more from an institution of higher education or an associate's degree (or higher), the applicant will need to pass a state approved assessment that assesses the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics. The district will supply the information on testing upon hiring.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the board of education may find appropriate and acceptable.

Reports To

TEACHER AND/OR BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR

Job Goal

To assist the teacher in achieving teaching objectives by working with individual students or small groups to help them achieve the skill levels of the class as a whole.

Performance Responsibilities

• Assists the student(s) in activities designated by the supervisor.
• Provides guided practice of recitation, reading, and other curriculum tasks.
• Under the supervision of the special education teacher, works with small groups of students to reinforce skills.
• Accompanies the student(s) to whom assigned when trips outside of the classroom or school are part of the educational program.
• Establishes a supportive and caring relationship with the student(s) as fully as possible.
• Serves as a resource person, if and when requested, to the student personnel evaluation team concerning one of the students to whom assigned.
• Implements job-specific activities under supervision of professional staff.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Implements behavior plans developed by the IEP team.
• Assists students with self-help skills (dressing, toileting, washing, grooming) when necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Terms of Employment

Wage and length of employment to be established by the board of education.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the board’s policy on evaluation of support services personnel.

Essential Functions Of The Job

• Ability to assist students in activities designated by supervisor.
• Ability to work with small groups of students to reinforce skills.
• Ability to implement behavior plans developed by the IEP team.
• Ability to assist students with self-help skills.

Physical Requirements Of The Job

• Very rarely requires physical exertion beyond walking.
• Very rarely requires physical exertion beyond walking or climbing stairs.
• Requires prolonged (over 50% of time) standing and walking.
• Requires prolonged (over 75% of time) standing and walking.
• Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, push heavy objects or materials.
• Frequently (over 20% of time) requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, or push heavy objects or materials.
• Frequently (over 33% of time) requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, or push heavy objects or materials.
• Over 50% of the time requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, or push heavy objects or materials.
• In addition to items 5, 6, 7, and 8, occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry or push heavy objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds.
• Driving skills and physical ability required to drive vehicle.
• Special physical, agility and reaction time tests required.
• Ability to perform first aid and CPR.
• Heavy means not over 50 pounds.