2026-2027 Paraprofessional III - Central High School

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MO

About The Position

The Paraprofessional III provides support to the instructional program, helping students work toward targeted behavior goals and develop social competencies. The role assists with instruction for individual students or small groups across a variety of subject areas and monitors and reports on student behavior and performance. The position supports teachers in specialized and mainstream education classrooms by preparing and presenting instructional materials, assisting students with learning, self-care, and social development, and supporting students in a range of educational settings. The paraprofessional documents student observations and maintains instructional records, communicates with teachers about student progress, and helps ensure student welfare and safety. The work is primarily indoors in an environment with moderate noise and temperature levels. It frequently requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force and the ability to push, pull, or carry items multiple times daily. The position also requires a range of physical abilities, including standing, walking, crouching, kneeling, reaching, handling, manual dexterity, and visual and auditory acuity.

Requirements

Minimum of one year of job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is preferred.
Must have the ability to obtain a current Substitute Teaching Certificate.
Must pass a criminal background clearance.
Knowledge of basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and ratios; ability to read manuals, write documents in prescribed formats, present information, analyze situations, define issues, and draw conclusions.
Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially as related to students with learning disabilities; Special Education instructional materials and techniques; safe practices; correct English usage; communication skills; and record-keeping techniques.
Ability to perform multiple technical tasks and routinely upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and pertinent software applications and to prepare and maintain accurate records.
Ability to read technical information and compose a variety of documents.
Ability to work with others in varied circumstances, work with data using defined processes, and operate equipment using defined methods.
Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups and varied types of data and to use job-related equipment.
Ability to analyze issues and create action plans; collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders; apply critical thinking and problem-solving to improve work processes; adhere to safety practices; meet deadlines and schedules; and work under time constraints.
Physical ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently and to push, pull, or carry items multiple times daily.
Ability to perform the required physical activities, including balancing, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in specialized and mainstream education classrooms with preparing and presenting instructional materials to introduce or reinforce learning concepts.
Assist instructional staff in improving students’ learning skills, self-care, and social development, including cafeteria skills, PE participation, library behavior, and personal hygiene.
Attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and trainings to receive and convey information.
Communicate with teachers about assigned students’ progress to support needs assessments and progress evaluation.
Document observations of student performance in academic and school activities, including social skills, behavior, and assignments.
Escort students, providing direction and ensuring their welfare.
Guide special education students in personal interactions and student issues to develop interpersonal skills and problem-solving strategies.
Maintain manual and electronic instructional files and records.
Monitor student performance under the direction of the assigned classroom teacher and provide feedback in accordance with IEPs.
Report health and safety issues to instructional or administrative personnel and appropriate agencies as applicable.
Support students in educational environments including classrooms, field trips, dances, sporting events, school grounds, assemblies, libraries, and computer labs.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.