Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs
Special Education Paraprofessional jobs are open across public school districts, private schools, and therapeutic learning centers, from entry-level aide to senior paraprofessional, with specializations in autism support, behavioral intervention, and physical and developmental disabilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We are hiring a Special Education Paraprofessional, come join our team!
CESA 6 offers great benefits for full time employees such as: Health, Dental and Vision insurance; Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS); Wellness Program; Accident/Critical Illness/Hospital Indemnity insurance; Pet insurance; paid vacation and holidays.
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SUMMARY:
The Alternative School Paraprofessional reports directly to the Alternative Education Center Director and works with students who require a more structured educational setting that focuses on their social and emotional learning as well as academics in an alternative setting. The Alternative School Paraprofessional assists the Alternative School Teacher(s) in providing social and emotional instruction as well as general academics to students with emotional and behavioral deficits in an off-site setting.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Work collaboratively with a strong teaching/support team involving a variety of educational professionals.
- Contribute to a positive, student centered teaching team.
- Support students with emotional and behavioral challenges and assist them in developing appropriate social and regulation skills.
- Works with students, both in-group settings or individually, for the purpose of assisting with specific instructional tasks.
- Support the classroom teacher in all aspects of classroom management, preparation and implementation of current teaching strategies.
- Provides and fosters a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment for students with emotional and behavioral challenges; attending to their academic and emotional needs.
- Use NVCI Training methods when the need arises.
- Perform clerical work, including: attendance, daily recording of behaviors, updating student files with academic, medical and behavioral reports.
- Take responsibility for professional growth based on feedback, research and best practice.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience, Education and Licensure:
- Solid educational background including a High School diploma.
- Special Education Program Aide certification from the WI Department of Public Instruction, which can be applied for after hire and is reimbursable.
- Current knowledge of specific disabilities, including trauma informed care & de-escalation strategies, appropriate instructional techniques/methods, positive behavioral interventions, and effective classroom organization.
- CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification in NonViolent Crisis Intervention Training.
- Prior experience in behavioral self-contained classrooms or Special Education preferred.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Model the core values of the agency.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with diverse work teams.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate an overall work environment of mutual respect and collaboration.
- Positive attitude, growth mindset and solution focused
- Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures consistently and objectively.
- Communicate effectively and timely, both verbally and in writing, to a diverse audience.
- Plan, organize and prioritize work.
- Remain flexible in order to adapt to changes in the work environment.
- Excellent time-management with ability to manage schedules and meet deadlines.
- Problem-prevention and problem-solving skills.
- Work accurately with close attention to detail.
- Exhibit a high degree of confidentiality of sensitive information and process and handle confidential information with discretion.
- Work effectively, professionally and tactfully with internal agency staff and external clients.
- Ability to set and meet high standards of customer service (internal and external).
- Exhibit a professional, businesslike appearance and demeanor.
- Computer skills, including email, Google Drive, word processing and virtual meetings.
- Professionally represent the agency and public, private and parochial school districts in interactions with staff, customers and community.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work Environment:
- Ability to work in multiple settings, including several Alternative School Programs and CESA 6 office locations.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Demands:
- The employee is regularly required to effectively communicate in person, via phone and in writing.
- The employee may occasionally push, pull, carry, lift or move equipment up to 20 pounds.
- Due to the physical nature of students within the Alternative Schools Program, the position may be required to perform trained crisis prevention techniques, which may require restraining a student ranging in weight and/or height.
- Ability to react quickly to student’s movement and behavior.
- Prolonged sitting or standing.
- Stoop, kneel, crawl, bend, turn, twist, squat, and/or climb.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CESA 6 will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
CESA 6 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We expect every member of our team do their part to maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included, feels respected and receives the dignity they deserve.
Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, and evaluating performance are made fairly, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment as a Gallup best places to work employer that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.
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Find JobsSpecial Education Paraprofessional Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Denver Public Schools31

- National Heritage Academies15

- South San Francisco Unified School District15

- Springfield Local School District11
- Poudre School District10

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education paraprofessional jobs.
- High school diploma or equivalent with an associate degree or 48 college credit hours preferred
- Experience supporting students with IEPs in a classroom or therapeutic setting
- Paraprofessional certification or Highly Qualified Paraprofessional status as required by state
- Ability to implement behavior intervention plans and collect progress data accurately
- CPR and first aid certification, with physical ability to assist students with mobility needs
- Familiarity with assistive technology devices and augmentative communication tools
Tips for Your Special Education Paraprofessional Job Search
Tailor your resume to IEP language
Hiring managers scan for familiarity with Individualized Education Programs. Use IEP-specific language on your resume, such as goal tracking, data collection, and accommodations implementation, to signal you can support students without extra training from day one.
List your paraprofessional certification by state
Paraprofessional requirements vary by state, and some districts reject applications missing the right credential upfront. Name your specific certification, the issuing state, and expiration date on your resume so hiring teams can confirm compliance before the first interview.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists special education paraprofessional 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 specific disability categories
Job listings that specify autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disorders, or multiple disabilities signal the district knows exactly who they need. Apply to those first, since your relevant experience is a direct match rather than a general fit.
Prepare scenario answers around crisis de-escalation
Interviewers for paraprofessional roles almost always ask how you handled a student in behavioral crisis. Prepare two specific examples that show the steps you took, the outcome, and what you learned, using calm and factual language rather than emotional framing.
Negotiate your placement on the salary schedule
Most school districts use a fixed salary schedule, but prior years of experience and relevant certifications can qualify you for a higher starting step. Ask HR which documentation you need to submit before your start date so you don't forfeit eligible credit.
Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most special education paraprofessionals?
Denver Public Schools, National Heritage Academies, and South San Francisco Unified School District are hiring the most special education paraprofessionals right now, with openings concentrated in Colorado, Michigan, and Minnesota, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Demand is especially high in districts with growing special education enrollment and in therapeutic day school programs.
How many special education paraprofessional jobs are remote?
About 1% of special education paraprofessional openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, largely because most duties require in-person student support. The sub-areas most likely to include remote components are virtual tutoring aide roles and administrative data entry positions that support special education coordinators.
How do you become a special education paraprofessional?
Earn a high school diploma at minimum, though many districts require an associate degree or a set number of college credits. Obtain your state's required paraprofessional certification, which often involves a written assessment or a portfolio review. Gain direct experience with students who have disabilities through volunteer work, tutoring, or a school practicum. Then apply to open positions at public school districts, charter schools, or private therapeutic programs.
Can you get hired as a special education paraprofessional with no experience?
Yes, entry-level paraprofessional positions exist specifically for candidates without prior classroom experience, particularly in districts with high turnover or critical staffing shortages. Volunteering with disability-focused organizations, completing a child development course, or earning a basic paraprofessional certificate before applying can strengthen your application significantly. Highlight any caregiving, tutoring, or youth program work you have done, since those transferable skills directly address what hiring managers need.
What does the special education paraprofessional interview process look like?
Most districts begin with a brief phone screen to confirm certification status and availability. An in-person or video interview with a special education coordinator or principal follows, typically including scenario-based questions about student behavior, IEP support, and communication with teachers. Some schools ask candidates to complete a short written reflection or observe a classroom before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to special education paraprofessional jobs?
You can find and apply to special education paraprofessional jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from school districts and learning programs across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, certification, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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