2026-2027 Paraprofessional III - Truman Elementary School

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional III supports the instructional program by helping individual students work toward behavior goals and social competencies, assisting with instruction for individual students and small groups across subject areas, and monitoring and reporting student behavior and performance. The role supports students in specialized and general education classrooms and a variety of educational environments, contributing to a safe and positive learning environment. The paraprofessional works with instructional staff to adapt, prepare, present, and reinforce instructional materials and concepts; supports students’ learning skills, self-care, and social development; and communicates with teachers about student progress. The position also documents observations, maintains instructional records, escorts students, guides students with disabilities in personal interactions and problem-solving, and reports health and safety concerns. The role requires a Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate and physical intervention training, with CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

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 mathematics, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or 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 they relate to students with learning disabilities; instructional materials and techniques used in Special Education; safe practices in classroom and other activities; 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 prepare and maintain accurate records.
Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; adhere to safety practices; meet deadlines and schedules; work under time constraints; and communicate with diverse groups.
Physical ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Physical ability to perceive sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by spoken word, make substantial movements with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, 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.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in specialized and general education classrooms with adapting, preparing, and presenting instructional materials, activities, and assignments, and presenting or reinforcing learning concepts.
Assist 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 regarding 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 in developing interpersonal skills and successful problem-solving strategies.
Maintain manual and electronic instructional files and records, providing written reference and meeting mandated requirements.
Monitor students’ performance under the direction of the assigned classroom teacher and provide feedback to students, teachers, and others involved in providing services, in accordance with IEPs as appropriate.
Report health and safety issues to instructional personnel, administrative personnel, and/or appropriate agencies to maintain student safety and a positive learning environment and comply with requirements and guidelines.
Support students in a variety of educational environments, providing a safe and positive learning environment.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.