2026-2027 Paraprofessional III - Bowerman Elementary School

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MO

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional III supports the instructional program in Special Education Services by helping individual students reach targeted behavior goals and develop social competencies. The role assists with instruction for individual students and small groups across subject areas, and monitors and reports student behavior and performance. The position works with instructional staff in specialized and general education classrooms, supports students in a variety of educational environments, and helps provide a safe, positive learning environment.

Requirements

Complete a minimum of 60 college hours or hold a certificate of completion from a DESE-approved Substitute Training program.
Obtain and maintain a Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate.
Obtain and maintain physical intervention training.
Pass a Criminal Background Clearance with results satisfactory to the District.
Knowledge of basic math, including calculations with fractions, percentages, or ratios.
Ability to read manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, present information to others, and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate 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 use pertinent software applications, and to prepare and maintain accurate records.
Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals or groups, adhere to safety practices, meet deadlines and schedules, work under time constraints, and communicate with diverse groups.
Physical ability to perceive sounds, make rational decisions using sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas verbally, perform substantial hand, wrist, or finger movements, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
Physical abilities required include balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in specialized and general education classrooms with adapting, preparing, and presenting instructional materials, activities, and assignments, and with presenting or reinforcing learning concepts.
Assist assigned instructional staff in improving students' learning skills, self-care, and social development by providing learning concepts and materials.
Attend meetings, workshops, conferences, and trainings to receive and convey information related to job functions.
Communicate with teachers about assigned students' progress, participate in needs assessments, and assist in evaluating progress.
Document observations of student performance in academic and school activities, maintain written records, and comply with mandated requirements.
Escort students, provide direction, and ensure their welfare.
Guide students with disabilities in personal interactions and help them develop interpersonal skills and successful 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 to students, teachers, or others involved in services, in accordance with IEPs as appropriate.
Report health and safety issues to instructional personnel, administrative personnel, or appropriate agencies to maintain student safety, a positive learning environment, and compliance with requirements and guidelines.
Support students in a variety of educational environments while providing a safe and positive learning environment.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.