Qualified Paraeducator

Position Information

• Position Type:
  Instructional Support - Para educator/Teacher Aide
• Date Posted: 7/10/2025
• Location:
  
  USD 386
• Work Hours:
  
  6.5 hours per day when school is in session
• Base hourly rate: $15.98. Additional compensation for past work-related experience and level of education may be granted.

Provide instructional assistance to students under the direct supervision of a certified teacher. Assist in preparing, conducting, and managing classroom activities. Works closely with the staff and administration of USD 253.

Responsible to:
Principal and Teacher(s) Assigned.

As established by the Emporia Board of Education.

• Education/Certification(s)/License(s):
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Highly qualified para educators must have completed at least 48 college credit hours or have passed the Para Pro Assessment.
  • Non‑highly qualified para educator must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Health and inoculation certificate on file in the Central Office.
• Special Knowledge/
  
  Skills:
  • Ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, mathematics and other subject areas as assigned.
  • Ability to work well with students.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to learn new skills associated with this position.
  • Experience working with children is preferred.
  • Desire to continue career improvement.
  • Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

• Assist in facilitating the personal, social, and intellectual development of students.
• Assist in establishing a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.
• Provide instruction to students under the direction of the teacher. Work with individual students or small groups.
• Be knowledgeable of goals for individual students as written in their Individual Education Plans.
• Assist teacher in preparing instructional materials and supplies for use.
• Assist with administration and scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments and monitor student progress.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help the teacher to keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes the classroom, lunchroom, playground, and other areas as directed.
• Make the teacher aware of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Attend staffing and general staff meetings as required.
• Participate in required in‑service hours to improve knowledge and job performance.
• Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned.

• Requires ability to use standardized office equipment including computer and peripherals and other instructional equipment for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires ability to frequently use repetitive hand motions, including frequent keyboarding and mouse use.
• Requires ability to frequently sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires ability to walk frequently.
• Requires ability to kneel/squat, bend/stoop, push/pull, twist, or reach.
• Requires ability to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.
• Requires ability to work with frequent interruptions.
• Requires ability to occasionally work outside with exposure to extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
• Requires ability to maintain emotional control while under stress and in stressful situations.
• Requires timeliness and regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.
• Requires work in noisy and crowded environments.

• Support the vision and mission of USD
  253.
• Support the value of an education.
• Respect the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, teachers, and the district in accordance with accepted professional ethics, and state and federal laws.
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Desire to continue career improvement.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, data management, and communication.
• Strive to communicate the positive aspects of our school program to the public in word and deed.
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements as provided by state and federal law.
• Uphold and enforce board policy, administrative procedures, and school rules/regulations including but not limited to: acceptable use of technology, sexual and racial harassment, child abuse reporting, health and safety including all precautions related to blood borne pathogens and suicide prevention.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. Actively participate in response drills. Be prepared to implement the Building Crisis Plan.
• Work effectively with community organizations.
• Maintain safe and well‑organized instructional spaces.
• React to change in a productive manner.
• Other duties as…