Educational Paraprofessional Position Paraeducator 2026-27 School Year

Job Description:

The Intensive Education Academy (IEA) is currently hiring for the position of 2026-2027 school year Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional to assist special education students.

Description:

• As defined by the Connecticut State Department of Education: "An employee who assists teachers and/or other professional educators or therapists in the delivery of instructional and related services to students. The teacher assistant works under the direct supervision of the teacher or other certified or licensed professional."
• Provides instructional support but does not provide direct initial instruction.

Job Summary:

• Provides instructional support but does not provide direct initial instruction
• Assists teacher with maintaining learner-centered supportive environments .
• Aids students by reviewing instructions on material taught. Reinforces the content that has already been taught. Assists classroom teacher in building and maintaining effective instructional team.
• Ensures that every action and decision made in the roles of a teaching assistant reflects the IEA Mission.
• Assists with job coaching students in a prevocational setting in-house or with outside employer (when applicable).
• Performs alternate duties wherever and whenever needed within the school.
• Has a clear understanding of the IEP information that is pertinent to the role of Teachers Assistant as an implementer.
• Assists the certified staff in devising special strategies for reinforcing learning materials and skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Enhances and develops his/her experience and knowledge in working with students with Special Needs.
• Performs tasks assigned by teacher for the smooth running of the classroom. Shares his/her areas of expertise to enrich class activities.
• Alerts the certified staff to any problem or special information about an individual student.
• Performs assigned supervision of students during lunch periods, play periods, and on field trips.
• When requested, serves as a resource person to the PPT.
• Performs assigned non-instructional classroom duties, such as snack time, toileting, and clothing routines.
• Keeps current and knowledgeable of basic understanding of specific disabilities especially those specific to the student responsible for. In addition, maintains current knowledge of how to interact appropriately with the student(s) by knowing some of the common characteristics of the student(s) to handle difficult and/or sensitive situations and to provide a more positive approach.
• Performs basic clerical tasks, such as copying, taking notes, and inputting information into a computer
• Establishes and maintains effective and appropriate relationships with students, parents, and staff.
• Acts in an appropriate and professional manner, and according to the IEA policies, procedures, and processes.
• Understands and adheres to all lEA educational philosophies, policies and procedures including student safety and security. Will read and become very familiar with IEA Staff Handbook and the Parent/Student Handbook, Emergency Procedures, and Fire Drill Procedures.

Qualifications:

• Earned an Associates Degree or passed the Paraprofessional test with a score of 457 or higher.
• Understands confidential material and conversations. Respects and can handle the sensitivity of confidential information, documents, and situations.
• Adaptability and flexibility, teamwork, planning and organization and problem solving .
• Possesses good communication skills (verbal and written) .
• Possesses ability to maintain professional conduct at all times .
• Possesses good time management skills .
• Is reliable and dependable, with an excellent attendance record .
• Possesses good mathematics, reading and writing skills .
• Demonstrates a caring, compassionate and empathetic nature .
• Desires to assist students with special needs in a learning environment
• Possesses emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved
• Uses discretion, confidentiality and sensitivity in all matters related to IEA staff, students, and their families.
• Uses critical thinking and active listening when assisting students, especially during stressful conditions
• Demonstrates ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students in school environment and community.

Application Procedure:

Apply online