Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional, High Needs Support

The Academy • Westminster, CO

4d • $20 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The Academy of Charter Schools is hiring a Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional to support students in grades 6–8 with high needs. The role supports individual students and groups in special education and general education settings so they can succeed in a highly modified and supported learning environment. The paraprofessional works closely with classroom and special education teachers, provides academic and behavioral support, and helps students follow modified daily schedules. The position is for the 2026–2027 school year, which ends May 27, 2027, and pays $20.00 per hour. The role reports to the Level Principal and Assistant Principal and has no direct reports.

The Academy of Charter Schools is a public PK–12 school of choice in Westminster, Colorado. Its mission is to help students grow into college-ready, exemplary citizens through academic mastery and personal empowerment. The school emphasizes an engaging, inclusive, and joyful learning environment and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet NCLB requirements through an associate or two-year college degree, completion of 48 college semester hours, or passing a state CDE-approved paraprofessional examination.
• Required experience working with school-age students with learning disabilities in an instructional environment.
• Demonstrated skill in handling children and adolescents.
• Ability to diffuse and manage stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of Colorado School Law, authorizer policies, and The Academy’s mission, philosophies, policies, and administrative procedures.
• Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to recognize the importance of workplace safety, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, use appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions.
• Ability to work within a team; strong people skills and experience in school environments.
• Criminal background check required for hire.
• First Aid certification required within 30 days of entering the position.
• Must successfully complete Safety Training Class within 30 days of entering the position.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals, Microsoft Office applications, and software used by the SPED department.
• Demonstrate flexibility, patience, tact, and discretion in professional interactions.
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships with staff and families.

Nice To Haves

• Crisis prevention training.
• Applied behavior analysis training.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax machine, and email.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one or small-group support to students with special needs or behavior needs.
• Assist students with personal and mental health functions as needed.
• Collaborate with classroom and special education teachers, including supporting students in general education classrooms.
• Provide supplemental instruction and help individual students complete work outside the general education environment.
• Implement behavior intervention plans as needed.
• Guide individual students or small groups through modified daily schedules that include time in and outside general education classrooms.
• Provide supplemental academic instruction as needed.
• Maintain data collection records on specific behaviors and goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical benefits, 100% paid for employees on select plans.
• PERA retirement benefits.
• The Academy offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees; details are available in the Employee Benefits Enrollment Guide.
• Employee paid leave information is available through The Academy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED