Special Education Paraprofessional

Community Academies of New Orleans; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Laptop provided

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Community Academies of New Orleans (CANO) is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support certified teachers and students with disabilities. The role emphasizes dignity, safety, and inclusive education within a responsive classroom environment.

Responsibilities include assisting with skill development, collaborating with the IEP team, tracking progress, and implementing behavior supports while maintaining a calm, patient demeanor and a strong commitment to equity in education.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Two years of special education paraprofessional experience.
• Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies.
• Ability to handle volatile situations and take appropriate action.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in developing skills for independent participation.
• Collaborate with IEP team members to create a functional learning environment.
• Assist with assessing needs, goals, and functional levels of students.
• Conduct assessments focusing on long- and short-term needs.
• Track student progress with parents and school staff.
• Monitor and address students’ behavioral patterns and intervene when needed.
• Assist with classroom crisis management and personal care tasks.
• Support students in achieving academic success and social integration.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Resilience

Growth mindset

Equity advocacy

Calm demeanor

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Description – Special Education Paraprofessional

About Community Academies of New Orleans (CANO)

Community Academies of New Orleans (“CANO”) is a dynamic and growing charter school management organization with a mission to strengthen leadership and implement strategic operational practices that position us as a Destination School in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

CANO envisions a system of exemplary schools deeply rooted in the voices of our students, families, and communities—producing graduates who are committed to advocacy and community leadership. Our mission is to cultivate schools that foster character development and critical thinking in responsive, student-centered environments, ultimately preparing our students to become impactful leaders.

Our commitment to academic excellence is matched by strategic partnerships and programs that leverage community assets to support student success. CANO offers a fresh yet grounded vision for education in New Orleans—building a new path forward for students, families, and communities.

CANO Core Values

• INTEGRITY – We always do the right thing.
• TEAMWORK – We work and grow together.
• PASSION – We love our students, our community, and our work.
• DIGNITY – We value and respect every member of our community.
• COURAGE – We face challenges with optimism and confidence.

About the Role

The Special Education Paraprofessional is responsible for assisting the certified teacher in general daily classroom activities, helping special needs students, and cares for their physical, emotional health and safety, affirming their abilities, and striving to promote dignity in all relationships.

About the Opportunity

• Assist students in the development of skills and knowledge that enables them to participate independently to the highest degree possible, based on assessment needs
• Works with members of the IEP team (i.e. parents, classroom teachers, speech providers, occupational & physical therapists, orientation & mobility and vision specialists) to provide a functional and meaningful learning environment
• Assist the teacher with assessing needs, goal & objectives, functional levels and motivational levels of the student
• Conduct assessment which focuses on both long and short-term needs of the student
• Assists with collaborating with parents and school staff to track students’ progress
• Helps teacher monitor children’s behavioral patterns and arrange appropriate interventions if needed
• Assists with management of classroom crises and resolve conflict
• Assisting students in achieving academic success
• Working with students who may be aggressive or disruptive in class
• Behavior support which includes physical management (training provided upon hire)
• Personal care
• Social integration
• Consultation and collaboration with Special Education and Regular Education Teachers as well as related service staff

Requirements

• High School Diploma( required)
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred but not required)
• Two years of special education paraprofessional experience
• Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies
• Must be able to handle and react to potential volatile situations and take appropriate action.
• A strong desire to work towards equity within education
• Growth mindset and a desire to learn and grow through consistent coaching and feedback
• A patient, resourceful, and resilient personality
• Belief that all students are capable of success and deserve to be pushed to a rigorous academic and behavioral bar
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to going above and beyond to support the needs of all students, faculty, and parents.
• Maintains a consistently calm and reassuring presence, creating a safe and nurturing environment.
• Fully willing and available to assist with diapering and other personal care tasks as needed, always prioritizing the dignity and comfort of each child.
• Highly intuitive, with the ability to anticipate needs and respond with empathy and effectiveness.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 55% of the workday.
• Able to occasionally move about inside the office and school building to meetings and other assigned duties
• Occasional lifting of 10lbs or more based on the need of the individual child.
• Occasionally ascend stairs to migrate throughout the workspace

More about CANO

CANO Schools offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. Aside from extensive professional development, all of our instructional staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies. We also require all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of the COVID-19 vaccination within 30days of the date of hire.

EEO Statement

CANO believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. “We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Community Academies of New Orleans is an EEO employer and prohibits discrimination, harassment or retaliation in accordance with federal, state and local laws.”