Teacher Assistant - Special Education

Grand Haven Area Public Schools; Grand Haven Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 23,419 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

Grand Haven Area Public Schools at Grand Haven High School is seeking a Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional. Pay is $17.19 per hour, with a Monday–Friday schedule of 7 hours per day. Position supports students with special needs and requires relevant education/experience.

Onboarding will be handled by WMJ, while GHAPS completes the recruiting process. This role fosters student growth through adherence to behavioral plans and collaborative teamwork.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 60 college credits or an Associate degree, or pass competency test (MTTC/ParaPro).
• Experience working with special needs students preferred.
• Ability to follow directions and work with others.
• Ability to stay calm in stressful situations and implement behavioral plans.
• Initiative and creativity with students.

Skills

Special needs experience

Follow directions

Calm under stress

Behavioral plans

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

60 credits or Associate degree or valid test

Job description

Position Type: Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional

Date Posted: 7/23/2026

Location: Grand Haven High 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