Special Education Paraprofessional

East Lansing Public Schools; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

East Lansing Public Schools seeks a Special Education Paraprofessional (1.0 FTE) at MacDonald Middle School. The paraprofessional assists the teacher with instructional activities and supports non-teaching duties under the building principal's supervision.

Key duties include delivering group or individual instruction aligned to IEP goals, monitoring behavior data, supervising during arrival, lunch and recess, collecting progress, assisting with materials, and using basic office tools.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to use basic office and audiovisual equipment is required.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing is required.
• Ability to work with students at varying ages and developmental levels is required.
• Ability to use basic word processing software is desired.
• Ability to implement and adapt lesson plans for small groups or individuals is required.
• Willingness to participate in CPI training and other relevant training is required.
• Experience with children with cognitive impairments, emotional impairments, or ASD is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides group or individualized instruction and remediation under teacher guidance.
• Implements behavior intervention programs and monitors data under direction of teachers.
• Supervises and monitors students during arrivals, lunch, and recess.
• Collects information on student progress toward IEP goals and reports under teachers.
• Assists in developing and adapting instructional materials.
• Records attendance and performs clerical tasks under teacher direction.
• Assists with instructional technology and sanitizes classroom equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned by teachers or administrators.
• May assist with Community Based Instruction activities per IEP.
• Provides toileting and medical supports as needed.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

CPI training willingness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Word processing

Basic office equipment

Job description

Come Join Our Team!

POSITION: Special Education Paraprofessional - 1.0 FTE

LOCATION: MacDonald Middle School

SALARY: $17.44 – $22.86 per hour (pursuant to ELESPA contract based on experience)

WORK YEAR: 26/27 School Year

START DATE: ASAP

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 16, 2026 or until filled

LINK: www.bit.ly/elpsjobs

General Summary

In alignment with the established policies and procedures of the East Lansing Public School District, the Special Education Paraprofessional is responsible for assisting the teacher with teaching-related activities as well as non-teaching activities. The paraprofessional will be evaluated by the building principal. The duties listed below are not intended to be all-inclusive; rather, they are representative of some of the primary responsibilities associated with this position.

About the Role

1. Provides group or individualized academic instruction, remediation, or guided practice using instructional objectives and lessons developed by the teacher.
2. Implements program-wide and individual student behavior intervention programs, including monitoring behavior data collection, preparing incident reports, providing physical intervention, and implementing reward systems under the direction of classroom teachers.
3. Supervises and monitors students within unstructured settings (i.e. arrival, departure, lunch, and recess).
4. Collects information on and summarizes student progress toward achievement of IEP goals and objectives under the direction of classroom teachers.
5. Assists in the development, maintenance, and adaptation of instructional materials under the direction of classroom teachers.
6. Records attendance, maintains records, and performs other clerical tasks under the direction of classroom teachers.
7. Assists in the use of instructional technology under the direction of classroom teachers.
8. Cleans and sanitizes classroom equipment according to district standards.
9. Supervises students under teacher direction within school or community-based instructional settings.
10. Assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned by classroom teachers or the supervising administrator.
11. May be required to assist with Community Based Instruction activities, depending on the student’s IEP.
12. Provides medical supports in the bathroom (toileting assistance).

Education, Knowledge and Skills Required

1. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
2. The demonstrated ability to use basic office and audiovisual equipment is required.
3. The demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing is required.
4. The demonstrated ability to work with students at varying ages and developmental levels is required.
5. The demonstrated ability to work with computer programs, including basic word processing is desired.
6. The ability to carry out lesson plans for small groups and/or individual students or modify lesson plans or materials as needed is required.
7. The ability to push and/or pull up to 220 pounds on a wheeled cart is required.
8. The ability and willingness to participate in and implement CPI training and other relevant training is required.
9. Training and experience working with children with cognitive impairments, emotional impairments, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is preferred.

About Us

East Lansing Public Schools is a high-achieving, diverse district committed to excellence, equity, and belonging. Located in a vibrant university community and neighboring Michigan State University, ELPS benefits from multiple partnerships that enrich learning opportunities for students and staff. We offer rigorous academic programs, a strong commitment to the arts and athletics, and a focus on preparing students for college, careers, and civic life. Our dedicated staff foster inclusive, supportive learning environments where every student is valued and empowered to succeed. With engaged families and a collaborative culture, ELPS is proud to inspire lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

Why Join ELPS

• Commitment to creating a positive learning experience for all students
• Diverse education community
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Collaborative and supportive environment
• Robust professional development opportunities

NONDISCRIMINATION In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, it is the policy of the East Lansing Public Schools that no person shall on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity) , age, disability, height, weight, genetic discrimination, marital status, military status, or any other legally protected category be illegally excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program, activity, or service or in employment. In accordance with Federal regulations, East Lansing Public Schools has appointed a Title IX Coordinator. Any questions, suggestions or complaints should be directed to:

Rulesha Glover-Payne

Chief Human Resources Officer and Title IX Coordinator

East Lansing Public Schools

6160 Towar Ave

East Lansing, Michigan 48823

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