SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHING ASSISTANT-Mild to Moderate

Platte Canyon School District; Bailey (CO); On-site; USD 19,889 - 28,326; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Eligible for PERA retirement plan

Sick/Personal days

Health, Dental, Vision and Life insurance

Free access to District indoor swimming pool

Job summary

Platte Canyon School District is seeking a Mild to Moderate Special Education Teaching Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year. The role involves assisting the Special Education Teacher in the instruction of students with moderate to severe needs. Candidates must demonstrate effective communication skills and possess at least 48 credit hours completed or an Associate's degree.

This is a full-time position with eligibility for benefits and includes support for training and certification.

Qualifications

• Must possess 48 credit hours or an Associate's degree.
• Experience with appropriate age group is desired.
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in instruction of students with moderate to severe needs.
• Create and implement curriculum adaptations as needed.
• Assist with classroom management and behavior strategies.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Ability to follow instructions

Dependability and enthusiasm

Flexibility

Initiative during instructional activities

Education

48 credit hours at an institute of higher education

Associate's degree or higher

Job description

Terms of Employment

The Mild to Moderate Special Education Teaching Assistant position is a classified at-will position.

Location: Platte Canyon Middle School.

Work Year: 2026-2027 School Year.

Work Hours: 7.7 hours per day - 4 day school week.

Salary: Beginning salary range for the Special Education Teaching Assistant is based on the 2026-2027 salary schedule and is currently pending Platte Canyon Board of Education approval. The current beginning salary range, based on the 2025-2026 salary schedule is $17.50. Initial placement on the salary scale based upon previous experience in related field.

Benefits:

• Eligible for PERA retirement plan.
• Sick/Personal days earned at 1 day for every 18 days worked.
• Full‑time employees are eligible for the District Benefit Package (Health, Dental, Vision and Life insurance).
• Free employee access to District indoor swimming pool and workout area.

Qualifications

Must have one of the following:

• At least 48 credit hours completed at an institute of higher education.
• Associate's (or higher) degree.
• Ability to demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.

1. Clear background reports through fingerprint submission to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and FBI, partially paid for by the employee through payroll deductions.
2. One year of professional experience with appropriate age group desired.
3. Physical ability to do some lifting, which includes lifting of students for personal hygiene activities.
4. Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with staff and administration.
5. Ability to be flexible.
6. Ability to take initiative during instructional activities.
7. Must be willing to be trained in Best Practices and instructional techniques.
8. Appreciation and acceptance of diversity.
9. Demonstrated effective communication skills.
10. Current First Aid and CPR/AED Certification.
11. Ability to perform all of the job duties listed under "Job Duties and Responsibilities".

Reports To

Site Principal, Site Special Education (SPED) Teacher and Director of Special Education.

Primary Function

The primary function of the Special Education Paraprofessional is to work with the Special Education Teacher in the instruction and supervision of moderate to severe needs students.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Duties:

1. Assist in the instruction of students with moderate to severe needs using lesson plans developed by the SPED Teacher and General Education Teacher. Help prepare classroom materials.
2. Create and implement curriculum adaptations in collaboration with SPED and General Education Teachers, according to students' Individual Education Plans.
3. Assist the Special Education Teacher with supplementary work for students.
4. Supervise independent study.
5. Reinforce lessons in small and large groups.
6. Assist in classroom demonstrations.
7. Assist with individualized program materials.
8. Assist in observing, recording and charting behaviors.
9. Implement behavior management strategies initiated by the SPED Teacher.
10. Assist with crisis problems and discipline as directed by the SPED Teacher.

All Special Education Paraprofessionals must also:

1. Perform work of acceptable quality and quantity.
2. Demonstrate dependability and enthusiasm in performing assigned tasks.
3. Become familiar with and adhere to Board approved School District Policies and regulations.
4. Serve as a positive liaison between the school and the community, while maintaining confidentiality.
5. Demonstrate effective relations with other staff members and work in cooperation with them to achieve positive results.
6. Communicate effectively with students, staff and the public.
7. Demonstrate high personal and professional standards and maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to the position.
8. Participate in the writing of personal goals and objectives which demonstrate the ability to develop professionally.
9. Attend annual trainings as instructed by the Special Education Teacher.

Evaluation

The Special Education Paraprofessional is evaluated annually by the building Principal. Evaluation is based upon fulfillment of duties and responsibilities listed in this job description as determined by observation, review of records and reports, administrative judgment, and effectiveness and quality of services. The employee will participate in the writing of personal goals and objectives which demonstrate the ability to develop professionally.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The Platte Canyon School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Americans with Disabilities Act; and Colorado law, the District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.