Special Education Paraprofessional | 2026-27 School Year

firstlineschools; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstLine Schools is seeking a dedicated Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with cognitive needs in a self-contained program. This role provides 1:1 or small-group assistance under the supervision of the SPED Coordinator and Classroom Teacher, helping implement IEP goals and behavioral supports throughout the day.

Ideal candidates bring reliable communication, teamwork, and a commitment to fostering independence in students within an urban, open-admissions setting in New

Qualifications

• Experience with students with health plans and cognitive needs.
• Experience in an urban, open admissions school.
• Demonstrated record of setting high expectations for students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the delivery of special education services under the supervision of the Special Education teacher
• Supports the instruction in the classroom for the assigned student(s)
• Assists assigned student(s) with classroom assignments
• Supports instructional aspects of student(s) IEP(s)
• Works to keep student(s) on task during classroom instruction
• Provides behavioral support throughout the school day
• Supports student(s) IEP goals in areas of academics, social emotional and related service areas
• Supports student(s) with specific assistive technology devices student(s) may require throughout the day
• Medical and life skills care and assistance for students may be required as part of a student’s health plan or IEP.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Special education commitment

Job description

FirstLine Schools: SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL

Reports to: SPED Coordinator & Classroom Teacher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary:

FirstLine Schools is seeking talented, passionate individuals to serve in a self-contained specialized program for students with cognitive impairments. These paraprofessionals will act as 1:1, 2:1, or classroom paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program. Paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program are motivated individuals dedicated to providing an excellent education for all youth, particularly those with cognitive needs. Paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program will receive coaching from the Classroom Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and Specialized Program Manager, as well as collaborate closely with Related Service Providers to implement supports, devices, and interventions throughout the school day.

Position Responsibilities:

Special Education:

• Assists in the delivery of special education services under the supervision of the Special Education teacher
• Supports the instruction in the classroom for the assigned student(s)
• Assists assigned student(s) with classroom assignments
• Supports instructional aspects of student(s) IEP(s)
• Works to keep student(s) on task during classroom instruction
• Provides behavioral support throughout the school day
• Supports student(s) IEP goals in areas of academics, social emotional and related service areas
• Supports student(s) with specific assistive technology devices student(s) may require throughout the day
• Medical and life skills care and assistance for students may be required as part of a student’s health plan or IEP. This may include: feeding, toileting, medication management, medical device adjustments and management, crisis prevention intervention, etc. Must be willing to be trained.

Instructional Duties:

• Supports lessons that lead to mastery of IEP goals and success in the Discovery Plus Program
• Supports teachers in using push-in/pull-out class time effectively to ensure lesson cycle is effectively accomplished
• Provides individual students with one-on-one assistance and tutoring as needed
• Collaborates with related service providers to learn how to implement interventions/strategies/devices throughout the day

Goals and Behavior Management:

• Invests student(s) in achieving their goals
• Helps students connect their behavior to achieving goals and school values
• Builds independence and stamina in students
• Supports the use of an organized system to use assessment data to monitor the progress of assigned student

School-Wide Duties:

• Participates in school-wide duty rotations, meetings, and events

Other Duties As Assigned

Education & Experience:

• Previous experience working with students with health plans and cognitive needs is preferred
• Experience in an urban, open admissions school
• Experience working with and a deep commitment to at-risk students and families
• Demonstrated record of setting high expectations for students with special needs
• Great communication and collaboration abilities

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

• Believe in every student’s ability to achieve in a rigorous college or career prep curriculum
• Achieve results based on agreed-upon expectations
• Take personal responsibility
• Highly detail-oriented
• Open to learning and evolving with AI as a tool at work
• Collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders
• Share a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to embed and model the FirstLine Commitments: We Keep Learning, We Work Together, We Are Helpful, We Are the Safekeepers of our Community, We Share Joy, We Show Results!

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Occasional physical exertion is required, including exerting up to 20 pounds of force as needed to move objects.

Supervises:

No

About FirstLine Schools

In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans. FirstLine now operates several (Pre)K-8th grade schools.

Our mission is to create and inspire great, open-admissions public schools in New Orleans.

Our staff is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth. Our schools are led by leaders who hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. FirstLine Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 403b plan.

FirstLine Schools is an equal employment opportunities (EEO) organization.