Teacher Assistant - Special Education

Grand Haven Area Public Schools; Grand Haven (MI); On-site; USD 19,536 - 27,825; Full time

Job summary

Grand Haven Area Public Schools is seeking a Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional to support Lakeshore Middle School students. The role involves assisting teachers, supporting students with activities, and helping implement behavioral plans with a calm, cooperative approach.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and preferred experience with special needs students. 60 college credits or an associate degree, or passing competency tests may be required depending on placement.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 60 credit hours or an associate degree; or pass competency tests (MTTC Basic Skills or ParaPro) as placement requires.
• Experience with special needs students preferred.
• Ability to follow directions and work with others.
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and follow behavioral plans.
• Initiative and creativity with students and their program.

Responsibilities

• Provide classroom assistance under supervision.
• Support implementation of behavioral management programs.
• Assist teachers with instructional activities and student supervision.

Skills

Special needs support

Follow directions

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Initiative and creativity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

60 credit hours / Associate degree or higher or competency test

Job description

• Position Type:Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional
• Date Posted:7/23/2026
• Location:Lakeshore Middle School

Pay: $17.19 / hour (wage may vary based on experience and education)
Schedule: Monday - Friday / 7 hours daily

Please note GHAPS will complete the recruiting process but the employee will be onboarded by WMJ.
Applicants for this position must meet the following criteria:

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 60 credit hours in an accredited university or college; or Associates degree (or higher) ; or pass a competency test (Michigan Test for Teacher Certification Basic Skills Test or ETS-ParaPro Test - Math, Reading, Writing tests) may be needed depending on placement.
• Experience preferred working with special needs students.
• Must have the ability to follow directions and work with others in a positive manner.
• Must have ability to deal with stressful situations in a calm manner.
• Must have ability to follow through with prescribed behavioral management programs.
• Must possess initiative and creativity with students and their program.

Jason Reinecke, Assistant Superintendent of Human Services