Middle School Paraprofessional

Job Description

Job Description

Middle School Paraprofessional

Role Overview

Atlas Public Schools is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and student-centered Middle School Paraprofessional to join our team. The Middle School Paraprofessional works closely with special education and general education teachers to provide academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and organizational support to students with diverse learning needs.

In this role, you will support students in developing the skills they need to become increasingly independent, successful learners. You will work across classrooms and settings to help students access grade-level instruction, navigate the middle school environment, build positive relationships, and develop the academic, behavioral, and executive functioning skills necessary for success.

Aligned with Atlas’ mission to educate the whole child, the ideal candidate will bring patience, flexibility, creativity, and a commitment to helping every student recognize their strengths and reach their potential.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Support

• Provide individual and small-group academic support in core content areas, including English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Support students in accessing grade-level curriculum and completing classroom assignments.
• Reinforce instructional strategies and accommodations identified in students’ IEPs, 504 Plans, or other student support plans.
• Help students develop effective study habits, organization, time-management, and task-completion skills.
• Provide additional support during intervention, enrichment, and other academic support periods.
• Assist students in breaking larger assignments into manageable steps and developing strategies for completing long-term projects.
• Encourage students to advocate for themselves and communicate when they need additional support.

Special Education and IEP Support

• Assist special education and general education teachers with implementing accommodations and supports outlined in students’ IEPs and 504 Plans.
• Support students in working toward their academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and independence goals.
• Collect and document student work, behavioral information, and other data as directed by the special education teacher.
• Share observations and relevant student progress with the special education teacher and other members of the student support team.
• Maintain student confidentiality and follow all school and special education procedures.

Behavior and Social-Emotional Support

• Support students in developing positive behavior, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills.
• Implement behavior strategies and supports as directed by the special education teacher or student support team.
• Assist students in recognizing emotions, managing frustration, navigating conflict, and making appropriate choices.
• Provide proactive support to help prevent behavioral challenges and maintain a positive learning environment.
• Reinforce school-wide expectations and routines consistently.
• Support students in developing appropriate peer relationships and social skills.

Middle School Independence and Executive Functioning

• Help students develop the independence and self-advocacy skills needed to successfully navigate middle school.
• Support students with organization of materials, lockers, assignments, schedules, and personal responsibilities.
• Help students transition independently between classes and school settings.
• Teach and reinforce strategies for managing time, materials, homework, and multi-step assignments.
• Gradually fade support when appropriate to promote student independence rather than dependence on adult assistance.
• Encourage students to take ownership of their learning, behavior, and responsibilities.

Classroom and Inclusion Support

• Work collaboratively with general education and special education teachers to support an inclusive learning environment.
• Provide support within general education classrooms, special education settings, electives, lunch, recess, assemblies, field trips, and other school activities as needed.
• Assist students in participating meaningfully with their peers and accessing school activities.
• Help facilitate positive peer interactions and promote a culture of belonging.
• Support classroom routines, transitions, and instructional activities.

Student Support and Supervision

• Provide supervision and support during arrival, dismissal, transitions, lunch, recess, and other non-classroom settings as assigned.
• Assist students with physical, mobility, or personal care needs when required by the student’s individual plan and within the scope of the paraprofessional role.
• Follow established procedures for students with medical or health-related needs when applicable.
• Respond appropriately to student behavioral or emotional concerns and seek assistance from appropriate staff when needed.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate regularly with special education teachers, general education teachers, social workers, administrators, and other members of the student support team.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and student support meetings as appropriate.
• Communicate relevant observations about student progress, behavior, and needs to the appropriate staff members.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when discussing students and families.
• Support positive relationships between students, families, and the school community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Previous experience working with middle school students or students with disabilities preferred.
• Experience in an educational, youth development, behavioral support, or related setting preferred.
• Substitute certification required or ability to obtain certification, as applicable.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check, including the Family Care Safety Registry.

Skills and Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A genuine commitment to supporting students and helping them reach their potential.
• Strong relationship-building skills with adolescents.
• Patience, empathy, consistency, and a positive attitude.
• Understanding of special education principles and inclusive educational practices.
• Ability to support students with academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and executive functioning needs.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when responding to challenging student behavior.
• Flexibility and willingness to work across multiple classrooms and settings.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.
• Commitment to maintaining student confidentiality.
• Ability to encourage student independence while providing appropriate levels of support.
• Willingness to learn and implement school-wide systems, interventions, and instructional practices.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the school building and between classrooms throughout the school day.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and assist students as needed.
• Ability to respond quickly to student safety or behavioral needs.
• Ability to provide physical assistance to students when required by an individual student's needs and plan.

Our Commitment

At Atlas Public Schools, we believe every student has the capacity for greatness. Our paraprofessionals play an important role in creating an environment where students feel supported, challenged, valued, and capable of success. The Middle School Paraprofessional helps students not only access their education, but also develop the confidence, independence, and skills they need for the next stage of their educational journey.