2026-2027 SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL

POSITION SUMMARY The Paraprofessional provides in-person and virtual instruction, organization, and behavioral support to teachers and students to promote academic achievement, student engagement, and a positive learning environment. Assists with classroom instruction, student supervision, individualized support, assessment activities, and the implementation of academic and behavioral interventions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education:

• Associate's degree or two years of college coursework (60 semester hours or more) earned at an accredited institution OR

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or GED and passing scores on the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment Test

Certifications/Licenses:

• Must hold or be eligible for a paraprofessional certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission

Experience:

• 2 years of experience preferred; work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements.
• Experience in K–12 education or public sector preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides instructional support to teachers by assisting with classroom management, lesson implementation, small-group and individualized instruction, academic interventions, enrichment activities, and the preparation of instructional materials
• Supports student learning and development by monitoring academic progress, reinforcing instructional concepts, promoting positive behavior, implementing social-emotional learning practices, and encouraging student independence and engagement
• Assists in creating inclusive learning environments by supporting the needs of diverse learners, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners, in accordance with individualized learning plans and established support strategies
• Supervises students in classrooms and other school settings to maintain a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment while supporting student transitions and implementing behavior intervention and de-escalation strategies as needed
• Utilizes technology and instructional resources to support teaching and learning, assists with assessments and student recordkeeping, and supports district, state, and School-Based testing activities in accordance with established procedures
• Collaborates with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff to communicate student needs, support attendance and engagement initiatives, and contribute to student success and well-being
• Participates in professional learning, staff meetings, and required training while maintaining confidentiality, demonstrating professionalism, and fulfilling assigned responsibilities with regular and reliable attendance
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, instructional practices, behavior management strategies, and social-emotional learning principles that support student success
• Ability to support diverse learners, including students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students requiring academic or behavioral interventions through differentiated instructional strategies
• Proficiency in the use of technology, educational software, and digital learning tools to support instruction, communication, and student engagement
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders
• Knowledge of school safety procedures, confidentiality requirements, and district policies, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively in a fast-paced educational environment

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods
• Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions
• Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer
• Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head
• Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict
• Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors
• Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress
• Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: N/A

COMPENSATION: Salary Grade: Paraprofessional and Special Education Paraprofessional Salary Range: Salary Schedules - Atlanta Public Schools Work Year: 202 Days