Paraprofessional

Position Type:
Support Staff/Paraprofessional

Date Posted:
8/26/2026

Location:
William L Thompson School

Date Available:
09/8/2026
QUALIFICATIONS: ELS-Paraprofessional Educator License minimum

REPORTS TO: Special Education Teacher
Assistant Principal/Lead Teacher

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt


PURPOSE: Assists preschool, elementary, or middle school teachers with their instructional duties, while ensuring the teacher retains primary responsibility for designing and implementing educational programs and services.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support individual student(s) or small groups of students to provide additional reinforcement of material taught directly by the classroom teacher.
2. Assist students with independent completion of assignments/activities as assigned by the teacher, including provision of individual accommodations or modifications as listed in students' individual plans. (i.e., 504, IEP, safety, behavior, etc.)
3. Assist teacher with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, maintain a safe and orderly environment, and keep students on task.
4. Assist student(s) in any/all settings within and outside the general/special education classroom as appropriate.
5. Follow schedule created by Lead Teacher/Dean.
6. Collect data at the direction of the teacher, supervisor, and/or related service providers.
7. Support the integration of technology and augmentative communication to strengthen the teaching and learning process based on individual student need.
8. Implement students' behavior plans as directed by the teacher
9. Employ positive behavioral strategies when supporting student behavior.
10. Foster independence, socialization, and self-esteem for all students.
11. Supervise student(s) at lunch, recess, in the hallways during passing periods, before and after school for bus arrival and dismissal, during assemblies, emergency drills, field trips, and at other times as assigned by the building Principal/Dean/Lead Teacher
12. Assist students with daily living activities, including personal hygiene tasks such as hand and face washing, feeding, diapering, toileting, and changing clothing as needed.
13. Maintain confidentiality of information about students, staff, and others, and maintains the privacy of student records
14. Follow all safety rules, procedures, and regulations for assisting all students, including those with disabilities or special needs
15. Monitor and assist during situations involving aggressive or uncontrolled behavior of identified students, following district approved de-escalation and physical restraint techniques and procedures. Provide input and data collection as needed after behavioral incidents by completing necessary paperwork. Additionally, report on student performance and behavior to help students achieve their personal best.
16. Maintain district approved de-escalation and physical restraint techniques certification.
17. Assist the substitute teacher in the classroom teacher's absence
18. Prepare educational materials as needed.
19. Attend professional development, PLC, staff, and building meetings as directed by the building Principal.
20. Adhere to Board of Education policies and procedures.
21. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of childhood growth and development
• General knowledge of academic subjects relevant to position assignment
• Basic computer skills for effective communication and proficient use of district software applications
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow directions
• Ability to understand diverse learning needs, second language instructional practices, and special education accommodations and modifications for children
• Ability to perform duties in a positive, professional manner
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies, building and department procedures

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 178 Days. The length of the work day is 7 hours to equal 7.5 hours of work and a 30-minute duty free unpaid lunch. Salary to be established by the Board.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Assistant Principal, Lead Teacher, and/or designee in accordance with provisions of Board policy on evaluation of Support Services Personnel.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Starting Pay: $19.00-$20.00 per hour
• Health, Dental/Vision Benefits Information:
  • 2026 Health Benefits
• Sick Day Allocation: 17 days total, with up to 3 of those days available for personal use
• Life Insurance: $50,000
• Tuition Reimbursement: $3,500 annually
• Pension System: IMRF