Special Education Paraeducator Jobs
Special Education Paraeducator jobs are open across public K-12 schools, private special education programs, and early intervention services, from entry-level classroom aide roles to experienced lead paraeducators, with specializations in autism support, behavioral intervention, and assistive technology. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 160+ Special Education Paraeducator jobs
- Niche.com names Chandler Unified School District as Best School District in AZ 2026
Employment Type:
Full-time (6.5 hours per day)
Minimum entry:
Calendar:
Full time: 1902 FT/184 work days, 11 paid holidays
Benefits:
PTO, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance, wellness, professional growth credit
Performance Pay:
Up to $600 Available annually
New Hire Experience Credit:
Starting hourly rate will be determined based on experience in a full time, paid job with like duties held in the previous 10 years. 1% per year starting in year 2, not to exceed the max hiring range of 5%
New Hire Education Credit:
Associates degree or higher in a like field may be considered for a 1% increase, combined with experience not to exceed 5% in addition to starting hourly rate for position.
CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION: SUPPORT STAFF
JOB TITLE: PARAEDUCATOR SPECIAL EDUCATION – LEARNING DISABILITY (INCLUSION/RESOURCE)
CALENDAR: 1902FT or 1802PT (9 MONTH)
SALARY: GRADE 106 (SUPPORT HOURLY)
Job Goal:
Provide instructional support under the supervision of the special education teacher in a special education environment or as required by an individual education plan (IEP). A paraeducator will provide support to students with varying high-incidence disabilities (i.e. specific learning disabilities, speech-language disabilities, other health impairments, etc.)
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- TITLE 1 Schools Only: Associate's Degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited university, or satisfactory results on an AZ state-approved competency exam
- CPR/First Aid (certification provided)
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer and related software
- Satisfactory criminal background check
- The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to exert 10-30 lbs. of force, to lift, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
- Manual dexterity to operate business-related equipment
- Vision and hearing are adequate to exercise job responsibilities in a safe manner
Core Job Functions:
- Student Support & Instruction: Reinforce material and skills by working with individual students or small groups.
- Social-Emotional Development: Assist students with their social and emotional needs, helping them build positive behaviors and navigate social situations. You will support behavioral plans and strategies to foster a productive and positive learning environment.
- Supervision & Safety: Actively supervise students during all school activities, including emergency drills, assemblies, field trips, and lunch. You are responsible for students' well-being and safety. You will also report any potential concerns, such as substance use or dangerous situations, based on your daily observations.
- Classroom Operations: Help maintain a quiet and orderly classroom.
- Communication & Confidentiality: Alert the teacher to any student problems or special information.
- Flexibility & Teamwork: Be flexible and perform other duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the position.
Core Values:
- Excellence in all we do. No matter how large or small, we value excellence in all parts of this organization. Excellence is a value, a quality, and our most important product.
- Equity and fairness in all things. Education is the great leveler, and we intend for all our students, staff, and patrons to have the opportunity, tools, and ability to succeed and excel.
- Collaboration is an effective decision-making model as well as an effective morale-enhancing model.
- Integrity is simply non-negotiable. Honesty, integrity, and reliability are the foundations of our organization.
- Efficiency is the essence of being a good steward of public trust. Our community supports us because we continually demonstrate our ability to produce the very best by carefully using the resources available.
Professional Qualities:
- Respond to all internal and external customers, as it relates to position, in a prompt, efficient, friendly, and patient manner
- Function effectively as a team member
- Be responsible, reliable, and punctual
- Be flexible and adaptable to change
- Positively accept direction
- Maintain courteous, cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and parents
- Direct constructive feedback toward improving the district
- Exercise positive problem-solving behavior and conflict resolution skills
- Adhere to the dress code appropriate to the site and job
- Share sensitive student and staff information on a need-to-know basis
- Be a positive role model for students
- Work with a large cross-section of people in a professional and non-judgmental manner
Physical Requirements: Working with Students with Special Needs
- Mobility and Movement: Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, and sit. The role involves repetitive finger and manual dexterity.
- Sensory and Communication: Requires the ability to speak, hear, and see (with correction) to perform essential job functions.
- Physical Exertion:
- Occasionally: Lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Frequently: Lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Constantly: Lift or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
- Work Environment: Employees may be exposed to various environmental factors such as odors, dust, poor ventilation, workspace restrictions, bloodborne pathogens, and loud noises.
- Assist students with toileting and personal hygiene as directed by the classroom teacher.
- General: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Note:
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the school/department.
Updated 9/2/25
- Niche.com names Chandler Unified School District as Best School District in AZ 2026
Employment Type:
Full-time (6.5 hours per day)
Minimum entry:
Calendar:
Full time: 1902 FT/184 work days, 11 paid holidays
Benefits:
PTO, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance, wellness, professional growth credit
Performance Pay:
Up to $600 Available annually
New Hire Experience Credit:
Starting hourly rate will be determined based on experience in a full time, paid job with like duties held in the previous 10 years. 1% per year starting in year 2, not to exceed the max hiring range of 5%
New Hire Education Credit:
Associates degree or higher in a like field may be considered for a 1% increase, combined with experience not to exceed 5% in addition to starting hourly rate for position.
CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CLASSIFICATION: SUPPORT STAFF
JOB TITLE: PARAEDUCATOR SPECIAL EDUCATION – LEARNING DISABILITY (INCLUSION/RESOURCE)
CALENDAR: 1902FT or 1802PT (9 MONTH)
SALARY: GRADE 106 (SUPPORT HOURLY)
Job Goal:
Provide instructional support under the supervision of the special education teacher in a special education environment or as required by an individual education plan (IEP). A paraeducator will provide support to students with varying high-incidence disabilities (i.e. specific learning disabilities, speech-language disabilities, other health impairments, etc.)
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- TITLE 1 Schools Only: Associate's Degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited university, or satisfactory results on an AZ state-approved competency exam
- CPR/First Aid (certification provided)
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer and related software
- Satisfactory criminal background check
- The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to exert 10-30 lbs. of force, to lift, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
- Manual dexterity to operate business-related equipment
- Vision and hearing are adequate to exercise job responsibilities in a safe manner
Core Job Functions:
- Student Support & Instruction: Reinforce material and skills by working with individual students or small groups.
- Social-Emotional Development: Assist students with their social and emotional needs, helping them build positive behaviors and navigate social situations. You will support behavioral plans and strategies to foster a productive and positive learning environment.
- Supervision & Safety: Actively supervise students during all school activities, including emergency drills, assemblies, field trips, and lunch. You are responsible for students' well-being and safety. You will also report any potential concerns, such as substance use or dangerous situations, based on your daily observations.
- Classroom Operations: Help maintain a quiet and orderly classroom.
- Communication & Confidentiality: Alert the teacher to any student problems or special information.
- Flexibility & Teamwork: Be flexible and perform other duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the position.
Core Values:
- Excellence in all we do. No matter how large or small, we value excellence in all parts of this organization. Excellence is a value, a quality, and our most important product.
- Equity and fairness in all things. Education is the great leveler, and we intend for all our students, staff, and patrons to have the opportunity, tools, and ability to succeed and excel.
- Collaboration is an effective decision-making model as well as an effective morale-enhancing model.
- Integrity is simply non-negotiable. Honesty, integrity, and reliability are the foundations of our organization.
- Efficiency is the essence of being a good steward of public trust. Our community supports us because we continually demonstrate our ability to produce the very best by carefully using the resources available.
Professional Qualities:
- Respond to all internal and external customers, as it relates to position, in a prompt, efficient, friendly, and patient manner
- Function effectively as a team member
- Be responsible, reliable, and punctual
- Be flexible and adaptable to change
- Positively accept direction
- Maintain courteous, cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and parents
- Direct constructive feedback toward improving the district
- Exercise positive problem-solving behavior and conflict resolution skills
- Adhere to the dress code appropriate to the site and job
- Share sensitive student and staff information on a need-to-know basis
- Be a positive role model for students
- Work with a large cross-section of people in a professional and non-judgmental manner
Physical Requirements: Working with Students with Special Needs
- Mobility and Movement: Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, and sit. The role involves repetitive finger and manual dexterity.
- Sensory and Communication: Requires the ability to speak, hear, and see (with correction) to perform essential job functions.
- Physical Exertion:
- Occasionally: Lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Frequently: Lift or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Constantly: Lift or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
- Work Environment: Employees may be exposed to various environmental factors such as odors, dust, poor ventilation, workspace restrictions, bloodborne pathogens, and loud noises.
- Assist students with toileting and personal hygiene as directed by the classroom teacher.
- General: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Note:
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the school/department.
Updated 9/2/25
Top Cities Hiring Special Education Paraeducators
Explore special education paraeducator openings in the cities hiring most right now.
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Find JobsSpecial Education Paraeducator Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Anoka-Hennepin School District27
- Evergreen Public Schools20
- North St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale School District17
- Fayette County Public Schools13
- Montgomery County Public Schools, MD12
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education paraeducator jobs.
- High school diploma or equivalent with 48 or more college credits preferred
- Experience supporting students with disabilities in a classroom or clinical setting
- Familiarity with individualized education programs and IEP documentation
- ParaPro Assessment passing score or equivalent paraprofessional certification
- Ability to implement behavior intervention plans and de-escalation strategies
- Proficiency with assistive technology tools and special education software platforms
Tips for Your Special Education Paraeducator Job Search
Highlight disability-specific experience on your resume
List the specific disability categories you've worked with, such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, or emotional and behavioral disorders. Hiring teams scan for these terms because they signal you can step into a caseload without a lengthy ramp-up.
Include any paraprofessional certifications you hold
Many districts require ParaPro or Paraeducator certification before they'll advance your application. List the credential, the issuing body, and the year earned so reviewers don't have to ask, and note if you're currently enrolled if you're still pursuing it.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists special education paraeducator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name your IEP experience
Job descriptions that explicitly mention individualized education program support are signals the district has a structured caseload and values documented IEP participation. If you've taken meeting notes, tracked progress data, or collaborated with case managers, call that out directly in your application.
Prepare behavior management examples before interviews
Interviewers almost always ask how you've responded to a student in crisis or a classroom disruption. Walk in with two or three specific scenarios that show your de-escalation approach, the outcome, and what you'd do differently, framed around the student's IEP goals.
Ask about caseload size and support during your offer stage
Before accepting, confirm how many students you'll support, whether a supervising special education teacher is assigned to your classroom, and what professional development the district funds. Caseload and supervision structures vary widely and directly affect your day-to-day workload.
Special Education Paraeducator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most special education paraeducators?
The companies hiring the most special education paraeducators right now include Anoka-Hennepin School District, Evergreen Public Schools, and North St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale School District, with the largest share of openings in Minnesota, Washington, and Maryland, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Public school districts and special education staffing agencies consistently account for the majority of active postings nationwide.
How many special education paraeducator jobs are remote?
About 0% of special education paraeducator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most paraeducator roles. The sub-areas most likely to include remote or hybrid arrangements are virtual special education programs, telehealth behavior support positions, and administrative paraprofessional roles tied to IEP coordination.
How do you become a special education paraeducator?
To become a special education paraeducator, earn a high school diploma and complete at least 48 college credits or an associate degree, as many public school districts require this under federal Title I guidelines. Pass the ParaPro Assessment or your state's equivalent paraprofessional exam. Then apply to district or agency postings and complete any required fingerprinting, background clearance, and onboarding training before your first placement.
Can you get hired as a special education paraeducator with no experience?
Yes, entry-level paraeducator positions exist specifically for candidates with no formal classroom experience. Districts often hire candidates who have worked with children in volunteer, tutoring, summer camp, or childcare settings. Completing a CPR and first aid certification before applying strengthens your candidacy, and some districts offer paid training programs that let you earn your ParaPro credential after you're hired.
What does the special education paraeducator interview process look like?
Most special education paraeducator interviews involve an initial screening call with HR, followed by an in-person or video interview with a special education coordinator or principal. You'll typically answer scenario-based questions about working with students who have behavioral or communication challenges, describe your experience with IEP implementation, and sometimes complete a brief background check authorization before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to special education paraeducator jobs?
You can find and apply to special education paraeducator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your experience, location, and disability specialization, then apply directly to each listing that fits. No additional steps are required before you apply.
See All 160+ Special Education Paraeducator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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