Special Education Paraprofessional

Rocketship Public Schools; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary in Nashville, TN is seeking a Paraprofessional dedicated to helping students with disabilities thrive in an inclusive classroom. The role supports ELA and Math instruction, implements IEP-aligned strategies, and collaborates with teachers to foster independence and engagement.

Strong behavior support experience, patience, and teamwork are essential as you help implement BSPs/BIPs, collect progress data, and partner with families to promote student growth

Qualifications

• Team-oriented and detail-focused.
• Flexible in a start-up style environment.
• Passion for working with young children.
• Experience with students with disabilities preferred.
• Ability to implement IEP-aligned supports and collaborate with case managers.

Responsibilities

• Implement individual and small group instruction for students with special education needs under the direction of the SPED case manager.
• Collaborate with case managers to monitor progress and communicate with general education teachers.
• Work with staff to ensure coordinated support and maintain a positive school culture.
• Partner with families on academic and social progress and needs of a student.
• Provide accommodations/modifications to access grade-level content per IEP.
• Help students meet growth goals outlined in their IEP (targeting 1.5 years growth).
• Apply behavior management strategies to support engagement during instruction.
• Manage student behavior to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Collect data for instructional programs and BSPs/BIPs as needed.
• Assist in implementing BIPs with reinforcement strategies as appropriate.
• Support life skills (toileting, hygiene, feeding) and other daily tasks.
• Provide appropriate crisis intervention as necessary.

Skills

Team player

Detail-oriented

Resourceful

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Flexibility

Student-focused

Collaboration

Education

2 years of college or Paraprofessional Assessment

Job description

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential.We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential. And it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non‑profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high‑quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Summary:

This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting students with disabilities and helping them thrive in an inclusive learning environment. Candidates should have a foundational understanding of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), differentiated instruction, and strategies for fostering student independence while providing appropriate academic support.

The Paraprofessional supports both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math instruction, balancing direct intervention with opportunities for students to build confidence, engagement, and independence.

Behavior support is a key component of this role. Candidates with experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), utilizing positive behavior support strategies, and collaborating with teachers to reinforce behavioral expectations throughout the school day will be especially successful.

The ideal candidate is patient, flexible, and relationship-driven, with the ability to remain calm and consistent while supporting students through challenging behaviors. They create a structured, positive learning environment that promotes both academic growth and social‑emotional development.

Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential, as Paraprofessionals partner closely with teachers, specialists, and other school staff to reinforce student goals, redirect behavior when needed, maintain student engagement, and ensure students receive the academic, behavioral, and emotional support they need to succeed throughout the school day.

Location: Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary - 2526 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207

Essential Functions

• Implement individual and small group instruction for students special education needs under the direction of the special education case manager
• Collaborate with students' case managers to assess student progress towards goals on a consistent basis; communicate student progress with case managers and general education teachers
• Collaborate with all staff members to ensure that all students have consistent and well‑coordinated support and communicate effectively with colleagues and contribute to positive staff culture
• Partner with families on the academic and social progress and needs of a student
• Provide accommodations and/or modifications to learners with disabilities to provide access to grade level content and demonstrate her or his true understanding on assessments as determined by the IEP team in collaboration with general educators
• Ensure that all students realize rigorous academic goals outlined in their IEP along with our core content. Our goal is that each Rocketeer grows at least 1.5 years
• Implement behavior management strategies during small group and individual instruction in order to support student engagement
• Manage student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment
• Collect and provide feedback for the development of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as needed
• Assist in the implementation of BIPs, which may involve positive reinforcement strategies, behavior modification, or other skills to maintain appropriate behaviors
• Record data for individualized instructional programs and positive behavior support plans
• Support a spectrum of needs for life skills, including but not limited to: toileting and diapering, assist with hygiene, feeding and other daily life skills
• Provide appropriate crisis intervention as necessary using the least restrictive method by anticipating and responding quickly and appropriately to escalating behaviors

Qualifications

• A team player who is detail-oriented, resourceful and able to manage his/her responsibility with confidence and discretion
• Comfort in a start-up environment with flexibilityInterpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Passion for working with young children
• At least 2 years of college or passing score on Rocketship's Paraprofessional Assessment required
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred

$21 - $25.50 an hour

Based on Education and Experience. Does not include pay during the summer break period ranging from May 23 - July 16.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

Compensation:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools’ employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Click here for our Sexual Harassment Policy. For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Human Resources.