Special Education Paraprofessional

Yinghua Academy; Minneapolis, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Long-term disability

Job summary

Yinghua Academy is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with disabilities under the supervision of licensed teachers. The role focuses on instructional support, classroom management, and supervision in a safe learning environment.

The position emphasizes helping students with academics, behavior, and social skills, including transitions and daily routines, while promoting independence and positive engagement. A degree and bilingual ability enhance candidacy.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or at least 60 credits from an accredited institution; Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field preferred.
• Experience working with children or students with special needs preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with students with varying academic, behavioral, and social needs.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese and English preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Special Education teachers in implementing instructional activities, classroom routines, and learning supports.
• Provide small-group and one-on-one academic support under the direction of a licensed Special Education teacher.
• Reinforce instructional concepts and learning strategies to support student progress.
• Support implementation of IEPs, including accommodations and modifications as directed by the teacher.
• Assist with preparation of instructional materials and organization of the classroom learning environment.
• Support students’ academic, physical, social, and emotional development.
• Help students with organization, task completion, and maintaining attention during learning activities.
• Encourage independence, self-advocacy, and positive learning habits.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate degree or 60 credits

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time Hourly

Calendar: Academic Year

Overall Objectives

Supports students with disabilities in achieving academic, social, and behavioral success by assisting Special Education teachers and staff with instructional support, classroom management, and student supervision. The Special Education Paraprofessional helps create a safe and supportive learning environment while promoting student independence and positive engagement in the school community.

Principal Roles & Responsibilities

Instructional & Student Support

• Assist Special Education teachers in implementing instructional activities, classroom routines, and learning supports.
• Provide small-group and one-on-one academic support to students under the direction of a licensed Special Education teacher.
• Reinforce instructional concepts and learning strategies to support student understanding and academic progress.
• Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including accommodations and modifications as directed by the teacher.
• Assist with preparation of instructional materials and organization of the classroom learning environment.
• Support students’ academic, physical, social, and emotional development.
• Assist students with organization, task completion, and maintaining attention during learning activities.
• Encourage students to develop independence, self-advocacy skills, and positive learning habits.
• Support students during transitions, classroom activities, and daily school routines.

Student Support, Supervision & Collaboration

• Implement positive behavioral interventions and supports under the direction of Special Education teachers and staff.
• Assist in implementing behavior intervention plans and support students in developing appropriate social skills and emotional regulation strategies.
• Maintain a calm, patient, and supportive approach when assisting students through challenging academic or behavioral situations.
• Supervise students during classroom activities and other school settings such as hallways, recess, lunch, arrival, dismissal, and field trips as assigned.
• Help maintain a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Respond appropriately to student needs and assist staff during emergency situations when necessary.
• Work collaboratively with Special Education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, and administration to support student success.
• Participate in required staff meetings, training sessions, professional development, and school events as assigned.

Communication and Classroom Support

• Communicate effectively with members of the Special Education team and school administration regarding student needs and progress.
• Support the teacher in reinforcing classroom expectations and behavior guidelines.
• Encourage student engagement and participation in learning activities.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and remain calm in emergency or challenging situations..

Professional Conduct

• Upholds professional and ethical standards in all interactions, maintaining confidentiality and respect in all matters, including student-related information and sensitive organizational topics.
• Models and encourages all behavior outlined by the Board-approved Professional Conduct Policy.
• Maintains confidentiality in all areas related to students.
• Demonstrates reliability and good judgment.
• Participates in required training and ongoing relevant professional development.
• Commitment to Yinghua Academy’s mission, values, and guiding principles.
• Maintains a professional image and a positive attitude.
• Completes responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner.
• Meets set objectives and goals and requires minimal supervision.
• Takes pride in work and is committed to quality.

Additional Information

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position. The employee may perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director or school leadership to support the needs of the school.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, Kavira (direct-to-employer healthcare), Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care, as well as life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, and long-term disability insurance.

Requirements

Qualifications

Associate’s degree or at least two years of college credits (60 credits) through an accredited institution of higher education; Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field preferred.

Experience working with children or students with special needs preferred.

Ability to work effectively with students with varying academic, behavioral, and social needs.

Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese and English preferred but not required.

Commitment to supporting the learning and development of students with disabilities.

Employee Requirements

Must meet all employment requirements including, but not limited to, criminal background checks and reference checks.

Yinghua Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Yinghua Academy District 4140-07 prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at https://www.yinghuaacademy.org/ourteamadministration/school-management/