Special Education Aide

Renaissance Public School Academy•Mt. Pleasant, MI

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Renaissance Public School Academy is currently hiring a full time Special Education Aide. Renaissance Academy engages students in meaningful learning by helping them set goals, build skills, and explore their passions. We believe that critical thinking, clear communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving prepare students for success in any path. Through Project-Based Learning and a developmental approach, our K–8 students learn in collaborative teams with authentic differentiation. We prioritize a joyful, student-centered experience where learning is both challenging and rewarding. Our success depends on passionate educators who love working with children and value collaboration. We provide daily team time, weekly professional development, and meaningful opportunities for teachers to lead, innovate, and shape decision-making. Founded in 1996, Renaissance Public School Academy is a respected Michigan charter school with strong community partnerships and a commitment to continuous growth. Join a team where your work makes a difference—every day. Job Summary The Special Education Aide provides individualized support to students with disabilities in academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and daily classroom activities. This position works under the direction of special education teachers and school staff to help students access instruction, develop independence, and participate successfully in the school environment. The Special Education Aide supports a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment while following student-specific plans and school procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to follow instructional plans, IEP requirements, and behavioral support strategies.
Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
Ability to provide support to individual students and small groups.
Strong communication, patience, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to remain calm and use sound judgment in challenging situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow school procedures.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and move throughout the classroom and school building.
Ability to work at a student’s level and assist with classroom activities.
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or assist students and materials, as required by the position.
Ability to respond appropriately to student safety and behavioral needs.
Ability to assist with personal care needs, when applicable.
Ability to work effectively with students of varying abilities and needs.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Patience, dependability, flexibility, and a commitment to student success.
Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, families, and school staff.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree, completion of at least two years of college, or paraprofessional qualification preferred.
Previous experience working with students with disabilities or in a school setting preferred.
Experience providing academic, behavioral, or individualized student support preferred.
Knowledge of special education practices, positive behavior supports, and classroom procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized and small-group academic support under the direction of the classroom teacher.
Assist students with classroom assignments, activities, and instructional materials.
Support the implementation of IEP goals, accommodations, modifications, and behavior support strategies.
Reinforce positive behavior and encourage appropriate social interactions.
Assist students with following routines, directions, and school expectations.
Support students with communication, self-regulation, and social-emotional development.
Monitor student behavior and report concerns or changes to the appropriate teacher or school staff.
Assist students with transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other school activities.
Provide assistance with personal care needs, when applicable and as directed by the student’s plan.
Help students develop independence and self-advocacy skills.
Maintain a safe, organized, and supportive classroom environment.
Collaborate with special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, and school staff.
Maintain accurate and confidential student information.
Follow school safety procedures, emergency protocols, and student-specific support plans.
Perform other duties as assigned.