Paraeducator I: SPED (Mann MS) Colorado Springs School District 11

Paraeducator I: Special Education- Mild/Moderate Needs (PreK-12)

Position: Educational Support Professional: Paraprofessional-SPED (Elementary)

Department/School: Mann Elementary School

Reports To: Principal

FTE: 0.88

Days/Year: 184

Salary Grade: A10

Salary Schedule: This position is based on the ESP Salary Schedule, School Based Positions (Group B)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Why Work For Mann?

Mann Middle School is a long-standing neighborhood school for grades 6 - 8, right here in the heart of Colorado Springs. Our students and staff are surrounded by classic Colorado charm, beautiful parks, and welcoming neighborhoods. With Pikes Peak in the distance, we are proud to be part of a neighborhood that is built on a strong sense of history and community pride.

Our diverse student body brings rich perspectives and experiences into every classroom. At Mann Middle School, we are deeply committed to supporting each student academically, socially, and emotionally, and we are launching an exciting new initiative focused on creating a personalized and tailored learning experience for every student.

Our goal is to prepare every Lancer to demonstrate skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, personal responsibility, civic and global engagement, and innovation. We believe students learn best when they are engaged in meaningful, authentic opportunities that develop both strong content knowledge and future-ready skills.

Forge Your Path, Lead with Pride! We are striving to cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and results. Mann Middle School is a place where dedicated educators work together to ensure that every student has the support and opportunities they need to grow and succeed.

If you are passionate about inspiring young minds and making a difference in a diverse, caring community framed by the beauty of the mountains, we invite you to join our team at Mann Middle School.

Position Summary

This position provides instructional and behavioral support to students under the direction of a certified teacher, working with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning and develop academic, communication, and functional skills. The role implements accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies aligned with students' Individual Education Plans (IEPs), while monitoring, documenting, and reporting student progress and behavior in compliance with established requirements, including Medicaid documentation as applicable.

The position supports classroom operations by preparing instructional materials, assisting with assessments and attendance, and completing clerical and organizational tasks related to student services. It promotes a structured, positive learning environment by reinforcing behavior plans, supporting social-emotional development, and assisting students with daily routines, transitions, and independence.

This role requires strong collaboration, adaptability, and attention to detail, as it involves supervising and supporting students across multiple settings and responding to diverse academic and behavioral needs throughout the school day.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide instructional and behavioral support to students under the direction of a certified teacher, working with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning and develop academic, communication, and functional skills.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and instructional strategies aligned with students' Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Monitor, document, and report student progress and behavior; maintain accurate records aligned with IEP goals and compliance requirements, including Medicaid documentation as applicable.
• Support classroom operations by preparing instructional materials, assisting with assessments, recording attendance, and completing required paperwork related to student services.
• Assist students with classroom activities and daily routines, including support for independence, transitions, and functional skill development.
• Promote a positive, structured learning environment by reinforcing behavior plans, social-emotional skills, and appropriate student behavior.
• Supervise and support students across settings, including classroom, playground, lunchroom, field trips, and other school activities, with attention to individual needs.
• Perform clerical and organizational tasks, including data entry, filing, copying, laminating, inventory management, and ordering supplies.
• Assist with classroom logistics and events, including transitions, drills, and specialized programming needs.
• Utilize standard office and classroom technology to support instructional, behavioral, and documentation requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Instructional and behavioral support practices in special education settings
• Individual Education Plans (IEPs), accommodations, and modifications
• Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities
• Behavior intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques
• Data collection, progress monitoring, and compliance requirements (including Medicaid documentation)
• Classroom routines, school procedures, and assistive/educational technology

Skills in

• Supporting individualized and small group instruction aligned to IEP goals
• Implementing behavior plans and supporting social-emotional development
• Observing, documenting, and reporting student progress and behavior
• De-escalating challenging situations and maintaining a safe environment
• Collaborating with teachers, specialists, and multidisciplinary teams
• Organizing materials and maintaining structured, supportive environments
• Performing clerical and documentation tasks accurately

Ability to

• Work effectively with students with disabilities, including behavioral and communication needs
• Implement IEPs and behavior plans with fidelity
• Assist with daily living skills and student routines as needed
• Remain calm and respond effectively in high-stress or crisis situations
• Maintain strict confidentiality and follow compliance requirements
• Communicate effectively with staff, students, and families
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills
• Work collaboratively and independently across settings

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent
• Title 1 Schools Only: Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or obtained an associate's or higher degree; or demonstrated rigorous standard of quality through a formal state or local academic assessment (ex: ACT-Work Keys and ETS-ParaPro)
• Preferred: Associate's degree or higher in education or related field
• Required: Experience working with children with disabilities or in a related setting
• Preferred: Bilingual skills relevant to district population

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a variety of environments and includes a combination of light to occasionally heavy physical activity. The position requires frequent movement throughout the workday, including alternating between sitting, standing, and walking.

Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis and up to 10 pounds frequently. Duties may involve stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, balancing, and reaching at both desk and floor level, as well as occasional overhead reaching. The role also requires dragging and lifting objects from floor to shoulder height up to 60 pounds on an occasional basis; pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 50 pounds; and lifting up to 20 pounds from shoulder to overhead.

The position requires frequent use of hands for grasping, holding, and turning objects, as well as fine motor skills to operate tools and computer equipment. Employees must be able to feel the shape, size, and temperature of objects.

The role requires constant seeing, hearing, and verbal communication, as well as the ability to detect odors. Employees must be capable of climbing stairs and performing physically demanding tasks as needed.

Employees in this category will also receive the following for the school year:

1. Non-Recurring Pay: 7% of base salary in Non-Recurring Pay (distributed as 3.5% on November paycheck and 3.5 % on May paycheck).
2. Staffing Stability Incentive (Adams Elementary, Galileo Middle School and Mitchell High School): ESP employees will receive the equivalent of one salary step divided over 12 pay periods.

Base Salary Setting: Employment, assignment and salary placement, is in accordance with job description requirements. A work history is required to demonstrate job title, job duties and time worked in the position. Grade placement for ESP positions is determined by the Salary Schedule by Job Title resource. Reference the linked How Your Compensation Is Determined for more details.

Salary Setting