Special Education Paraeducator — Impactful Student Support

Des Moines Prep; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Founding team opportunity

Competitive local district salary

Job summary

Des Moines Prep seeks a Special Education Associate to support scholars with special education needs under the guidance of the Special Education Teacher and Principal. You will assist with IEP implementation, student engagement, and classroom organization.

You will build relationships, provide differentiated instruction, and participate in data-driven progress monitoring while collaborating with families and school leadership.

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 is preferred.

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 and materials as directed 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.

Skills

Collaborative

Communication

Classroom support

Behavior support

Education

Paraeducator certification

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Des Moines Prep seeks a Special Education Associate to support scholars with special education needs under the guidance of the Special Education Teacher and Principal. You will assist with IEP implementation, student engagement, and classroom organization.

You will build relationships, provide differentiated instruction, and participate in data-driven progress monitoring while collaborating with families and school leadership.