Paraprofessional

About This Role

This paraprofessional position supports students with diverse needs across multiple campuses for the 2026-2027 school year, starting August 10. The role involves assisting students with educational and emotional needs, implementing behavior intervention plans, and maintaining student safety in various settings. It suits a candidate committed to fostering student development and collaborating with teaching professionals.

Responsibilities

• Help develop knowledge and skills, nurture confidence and character, and meet the needs of all students by using Connect Academy instructional models, strategies, and curriculum under the guidance of the teaching professional
• Assist students with educational and emotional related needs
• Supervise small group and individual student learning activities in the classroom and therapeutic settings
• Support the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and consistently apply de-escalation techniques, behavior strategies, and reinforcement systems under staff direction
• Assist the teacher in applying remediation for diagnosed learning problems and help students during testing and assessment activities
• Apply intervention and prevention strategies to facilitate student engagement, self-regulation, and achievement
• Tutor individual students or small groups as directed
• Collect and record academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data to monitor progress toward IEP and behavior goals, under the direction of the teaching professional
• Collaborate and consult with the teacher, related service providers, and administrative team on instructional approaches, student regulation strategies, and classroom management techniques
• Maintain student safety at all times, including during transitions, breaks, and potential behavioral escalations; participate in physical management procedures (such as CPI holds) when trained and necessary
• Build positive, supportive relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries
• Participate in regular staff meetings, training, and professional development focused on trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and special education best practices
• Perform clerical work relevant to assigned students as requested by the supervising teacher or administrator
• Step in and instruct a classroom of students as a classroom teacher would, for a temporary period of time, when asked. This includes leading lessons, managing classroom behavior, and ensuring continuity of instruction and care in the teacher’s absence
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Requirements

• Paraprofessional Certification (Required)
• Meets the requirements of the State of Illinois for a Paraprofessional license
• Positive interpersonal and effective relations skills