Special Education Para Educator

Waverly Community Schools • Lansing, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

WAVERLY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS is seeking a Special Education Para Educator for Elmwood Elementary. This position will begin in August 2026 and is for the school year. The role involves supporting students with their behavioral, academic, and transitioning goals, assisting with instruction, and ensuring student safety. The Para Educator will work closely with certified teachers and related service providers, and may assist with personal care needs of students. This is a full-time position.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma
• Prior experience working with students, school personnel, and parents
• CPI Certification or willingness to obtain
• Strong communication skills
• Knowledge of PBIS and MTSS
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.
• Ability to demonstrate the character traits of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring when interacting with staff, students, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of strategies for individual and group behavioral management, academic or transitioning goals.
• Actively participate in building activities, meetings, conferences, IEPs, swimming or pool activities, lunch, community-based instruction or activities, etc. as determined by the building administration or assigned certified teacher.
• Assist in instruction of information and concepts, selection and preparation of materials, establishment of reward systems, as determined by the certified teacher.
• Assist with transportation-loading and unloading of buses.
• Transport small numbers of students to activities in school vehicles when necessary in accordance with board policy.
• Inform the certified teacher of any specific needs or concerns regarding the students.
• Follow through with suggestions by related service providers as directed by the teacher.
• Assist in the medical, adaptive daily living, and self-care needs of students which could include assisting students with eating, hygiene, toileting, and diapering.
• Lift and transfer students as needed.
• Assist in preparing students for pool activities and assist in the pool with students under WSI supervision.
• Assist in behavioral/academic/vocational interventions as needed.
• Perform record keeping and organizational tasks as appropriate.
• Interact with co-workers, administration, students, parents and the community in professional, supportive and cooperative ways.
• Serve as a positive role model.
• Assist in arranging and managing the physical setting so that it is conducive to learning.
• Assist with the school day activities such as before and after-school supervision, lunch and recess and bus loading and unloading supervision, to ensure the safety of all students.
• Maintain in-person and on-time attendance as required.
• Communicate effectively with staff and parents.
• All other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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