Special Education Paraprofessional (26-27)

KIPP Texas Public Schools; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Competitive vacation and PTO policies

Paid family leave

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

KIPP Texas Public Schools is seeking Instructional Aides to support students in their academic and functional activities. The role emphasizes collaboration with teachers and a commitment to helping students thrive. Ideal candidates will possess a high-school diploma or equivalent, with additional educational qualifications viewed favorably. Bilingualism in English and Spanish is a plus. The school offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, flexible paid time off, and a supportive working environment in Texas.

Qualifications

• Must meet Instructional Aides Highly Qualified requirements.
• Reliable transportation for travel between campuses.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

Responsibilities

• Support students with academic and functional tasks.
• Tutor individual students to enhance understanding.
• Communicate regarding students’ progress with parents and teachers.

Skills

Bilingual in English & Spanish

Customer-service mindset

Strong communication skills

Time-management skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High-school diploma or equivalent

Two years of study at a postsecondary institution

Associate’s degree or higher

Job description

About KIPP Texas Public Schools

KIPP Texas Public Schools is a free, public charter school network with more than 45 Pre‑K–12 schools across Austin, Dallas‑Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. With over 30 years in Texas, we work together with our families and communities to prepare students for college, career, and beyond. Our schools provide a high‑quality, well‑rounded education built on academic success and personal growth, where all students learn and thrive in a productive, safe, and joyful way. As one of the earliest charter networks in Texas—founded in Houston in 1994 and operating as KIPP Texas since 2018—we hire dynamic, collaborative, and dedicated individuals who believe every child will succeed.

Job Description

Job Status: This is a general posting for internal candidates. Applications are collected on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply, and for the priority window (2/2/26‑3/20/26), a member of our talent recruitment team will reach out to schedule a follow‑up call.

About The Role

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP Texas Public Schools plays a critical role in ensuring our students have the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose. Educators are passionate advocates for their students and families, working tirelessly to ensure that all students have access to opportunity. We especially value individuals who share the life experiences of our students, believing that the best work we do is grounded in the realities and experiences of our families and KIPPsters.

Role Responsibilities

• Work with students in instructional and classroom activities directed by the special education and/or general education teacher.
• Assist with direct academic, functional, and/or specifically designed instructional or physical activities.
• Tutor individual students and help them prepare assignments or explain material they do not understand.
• Supervise and accompany special education students to the office, bus, classroom, cafeteria, etc.
• Communicate regularly with classroom teacher and parents regarding students’ needs and progress.
• Support students who may require restraining, holding, lifting, or crisis intervention techniques for severely disruptive behavior or aggressive outbursts.
• Provide direct support in developing and maintaining essential daily living, self‑care, and mobility skills outlined in individualized plans (e.g., IEP or care plan).
• Provide clerical support to teachers, including creating photocopies and preparing materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Instructional aides performing duties on Title I, Part A school‑wide served campuses or those with at least part of their salary paid for by Title I, Part A Targeted Assistance campuses must meet the Instructional Aides Highly Qualified requirements. A Highly Qualified Instructional Aide must have a high‑school diploma or its recognized equivalent and meet one of the following:

• Complete at least two years of study at a postsecondary institution (48 semester hours or equivalent).
• Possess an associate’s degree or higher.
• Demonstrate a rigorous standard of quality through a formal state or local academic assessment.
• English and Spanish bilingualism is a plus.

Competency and Skills

• Unwavering commitment to the KIPP Texas mission, core values, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
• Bilingual in English & Spanish.
• Strong customer‑service mindset, sense of humility, urgency, and proactive problem‑solving.
• Excellent communication, time‑management, and the ability to plan backwards and juggle multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Team player with strong interpersonal and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Calm under pressure, especially during difficult conversations with parents and staff.
• Desire to continuously learn and evolve professionally.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move about inside and outside the school throughout the workday.
• Will attend conferences, meetings, and training sessions both virtually and in person within the region.

Additional Requirements

• Reliable transportation for travel between campuses.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions.

Work Environment

• Reports to school site Monday‑Friday.
• Typical school environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements

• Minimal travel; may travel to other school sites or regional offices for professional learning or meetings.

What We Bring to the Table

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with coverage options for employees and their families.
• Competitive vacation and flexible paid time off (PTO) policies.
• Paid family leave.
• Flexible spending account or high‑yield HSA.
• Employee assistance programs.
• KIPP also offers the following employee‑paid benefits: legal plans, LifeLock identity protection, life insurance, and disability insurance.

KIPP Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP Texas ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the Talent Team. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job duties. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.