About this role
Position Summary The Nashua-Plainfield Community School District is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and student-centered Middle School/High School Paraprofessional to provide instructional, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students in a variety of educational settings. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, special education staff, and related service providers to promote student success by supporting academic achievement, independence, positive behavior, and meaningful participation in the school environment. The Middle School/High School Paraprofessional serves as an essential member of the educational team by assisting with classroom instruction, implementing individualized student supports, promoting positive relationships, maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment, and helping students develop the academic, social, behavioral, and life skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Qualifications Education
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree, paraeducator certification, or successful completion of the Iowa Paraeducator Generalist Certification requirements preferred or as required by Iowa law.
Certification
• Iowa Paraeducator Certification or the ability to obtain as required by the Iowa Department of Education.
• Current certification in CPR, First Aid, and AED preferred, or the ability to obtain.
• Completion of Mandatory Reporter Training, Bloodborne Pathogens Training, CPI/behavior intervention training (if assigned), and other district-required professional development.
Experience
• Previous experience working with children or adolescents preferred.
• Experience working with students receiving special education services is desirable.
• Experience supporting students with behavioral, emotional, academic, or physical needs is beneficial but not required.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
• Ability to establish positive and respectful relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Knowledge of effective instructional support strategies and classroom management techniques.
• Ability to assist students with academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student records and information.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative educational team.
• Ability to follow teacher lesson plans, instructional strategies, and individualized student plans.
• Ability to demonstrate patience, flexibility, empathy, and professionalism.
• Knowledge of positive behavior supports, de-escalation techniques, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professional boundaries.
Technology Requirements
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to utilize district email, student information systems, instructional technology, and classroom technology.
• Ability to complete required online trainings and electronic documentation.
• Ability to assist students in using educational technology and learning platforms.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Instructional Support
• Assist teachers in providing instructional support to individual students and small groups.
• Reinforce classroom instruction using teacher-directed materials and strategies.
• Provide academic assistance in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and other subject areas.
• Support students in completing classroom assignments, assessments, projects, and independent work.
• Assist in implementing accommodations and modifications identified in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, behavior intervention plans, or other educational plans.
• Encourage student independence while providing appropriate levels of assistance.
Student Support
• Assist students with organization, study skills, executive functioning, and time management.
• Support students' social-emotional development by modeling positive communication and problem-solving skills.
• Encourage positive peer interactions and appropriate classroom behavior.
• Assist students with transitions between classrooms, activities, and school settings.
• Provide supervision during classrooms, study halls, lunch, recess (if assigned), arrival, dismissal, field trips, and other school activities.
• Assist students with personal care needs when required and consistent with district training and student plans.
Behavioral Support
• Implement behavior support strategies under the direction of licensed staff.
• Reinforce positive behavior expectations and classroom routines.
• Assist in documenting student behavior and progress.
• Utilize approved de-escalation techniques when necessary.
• Help maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
Classroom Assistance
• Prepare instructional materials, classroom resources, and learning activities.
• Assist with classroom organization, displays, copying, filing, and recordkeeping.
• Monitor student work and provide feedback as directed by the supervising teacher.
• Supervise students during independent work, testing situations, and classroom activities.
• Assist with classroom technology and instructional equipment.
Student Safety and Supervision
• Maintain a safe learning environment by following district safety procedures.
• Monitor students for health, behavioral, or emotional concerns and report concerns promptly to the supervising teacher or administrator.
• Follow district emergency procedures and crisis response protocols.
• Ensure appropriate student supervision throughout assigned responsibilities.
• Assist with emergency drills and building safety procedures.
Communication
• Maintain positive and professional communication with teachers, administrators, support staff, students, and parents as directed.
• Share relevant student information with appropriate staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• Document student progress, behavior, and interventions as assigned.
• Participate in team meetings, IEP meetings (when requested), and staff meetings as appropriate.
Collaboration
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers, special education teachers, school counselors, administrators, nurses, related service providers, and other district personnel.
• Support implementation of instructional and behavioral plans.
• Participate in professional learning opportunities and district training.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive school culture.
Professional Responsibilities
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and integrity in all interactions.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and district policies.
• Serve as a positive role model through words, actions, appearance, and professional conduct.
• Maintain regular attendance, punctuality, and dependable work habits.
• Complete all required district trainings and professional development.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervising teacher, principal, Director of Special Education, or other administrators.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, and move throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to assist students with mobility, transfers, positioning, or personal care when assigned and appropriately trained.
• Ability to supervise students indoors and outdoors during varying weather conditions.
• Ability to respond appropriately during emergency situations.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with classroom support and instructional activities.
Working Conditions
• Classroom settings, special education classrooms, resource rooms, libraries, cafeterias, gymnasiums, playgrounds, vocational settings, and other school environments.
• Frequent interaction with students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Moderate noise levels typical of educational settings.
• Occasional outdoor supervision in varying weather conditions.
• Potential exposure to communicable illnesses and student behaviors associated with educational environments.
Terms of Employment Work schedule, salary, benefits, and other terms of employment are established by the Nashua-Plainfield Community School District Board of Education and applicable district policies and negotiated agreements. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, paraeducator certification requirements, and all required district trainings. Equal Employment Opportunity The Nashua-Plainfield Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Iowa law. The District is committed to providing an inclusive educational and work environment for all students and employees. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Classification: Classified Support Staff – Paraprofessional Reports To: Building Principal, Supervising Teacher(s), and Director of Special Education (as applicable) This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.