EK-8 Paraprofessional

Position Type:
Support Staff/Regular Education Paraprofessional
Date Posted:
8/25/2026
Location:
North Canaan Elementary School
Date Available:
When Filled
Closing Date:
When Filled
POSITION: Regular Education Paraeducator/Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: North Canaan Elementary School
START DATE: August 2026
SCHEDULE: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM, following the school calendar through June 2027
SALARY: $19.66 per hour
Description
North Canaan Elementary School seeks a caring, dependable, and collaborative Regular Education Paraeducator / Teaching Assistant to support teachers and students in our EK 8 classrooms for the school year.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with teachers and other school staff to provide academic and classroom support, reinforce student learning, and help maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with individual students, small groups, or classes to reinforce concepts and skills initially introduced by the teacher
• Support independent, enrichment, intervention, or remedial work under the direction of a teacher or interventionist
• Provide individual student support as requested by the teacher and/or supervisor
• Assist and support students in Unified Arts classes, as appropriate
• Assist with lunch, recess, and other student supervision responsibilities as assigned
• Operate and care for classroom and office equipment
• Maintain strict confidentiality and a high level of ethical and professional behavior regarding student and staff information
• Participate in professional learning and in-service training programs as needed or assigned
• Promote a positive, professional, and collaborative educational environment for students, colleagues, and families
• Support the District's mission, goals, and objectives as outlined in the District's Strategic Plan
• Help maintain a safe, caring, and supportive learning environment
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must meet applicable paraeducator qualification requirements by satisfying one of the following:
  • Completion of two years of study at an institution of higher education;
  • An associate degree or higher; or
  • A passing score on a Connecticut State Board of Education-approved paraeducator assessment (ParaPathways or other qualifying assessment, as applicable).
• Sensitivity to and awareness of individual student needs
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to establish positive relationships and rapport with children
• Knowledge and understanding of child development
• Basic computer skills, including email and software used to support or monitor student performance
• Ability to operate standard office and classroom equipment, or willingness to learn
• Must meet State of Connecticut fingerprinting and background check requirements

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods
• Hearing: Ability to work in and tolerate exposure to noisy conditions
• Speech: Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through computer-based communication
• Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands and fingers to grasp and manipulate objects; bend at the wrist and elbow; extend arms; lift objects; and turn, raise, and lower the head
• Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing 25 pounds or more as required by the position
• Physical Demands: Ability to sit for extended periods, including at a desk and on the floor; kneel; bend at the waist; walk; and run as necessary
• Physical Stamina: Ability to perform a range of student support responsibilities, which may include transferring, lifting, feeding, and assisting with health, functional, and hygiene needs
• Environmental Requirements: Ability to manage frequent interruptions, work cooperatively with others, work independently when appropriate, and work primarily indoors

Salary and Benefits

• $19.66 per hour
• Following successful completion of the probationary period, the position includes sick leave, personal leave, and paid holidays
• Medical benefits are not provided with this position
• Additional benefits and employment provisions are outlined in the North Canaan collective bargaining agreement

Application/Interview Procedure:

• Apply online; click on JobID 1827.
• Applicants will be screened on an ongoing basis; early applications are encouraged.
• Interviews with a possible call back.

For more information, please contact Principal Mrs. Beth Johnson at or via email at
Regional School District No. 1 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.