2025-2026 Special Education Paraprofessionals

FirstLine Schools is seeking talented, passionate individuals to serve in a self-contained specialized program for students with cognitive impairments. These paraprofessionals will act as 1:1, 2:1, or classroom paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program.Paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program are motivated individuals dedicated to providing an excellent education for all youth, particularly those with cognitive needs. Paraprofessionals in the Discovery Plus Program will receive coaching from the Classroom Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and Specialized Program Manager, as well as collaborate closely with Related Service Providers to implement supports, devices, and interventions throughout the school day.

Position Responsibilities:

Special Education

Assists in the delivery of special education services under the supervision of the Special Education teacher

Supports the instruction in the classroom for the assigned student(s)

Assists assigned student(s) with classroom assignments 

Supports instructional aspects of student(s) IEP(s)

Works to keep student(s) on task during classroom instruction

Provides behavioral support throughout the school day

Supports student(s) IEP goals in areas of academics, social emotional and related service areas

Supports student(s) with specific assistive technology devices student(s) may require throughout the day

Medical and life skills care and assistance for students may be required as part of a student’s health plan or IEP. This may include: feeding, toileting, medication management, medical device adjustments and management, crisis prevention intervention,  etc.  Must be willing to be trained.

Instructional Duties

Supports lessons that lead to mastery of IEP goals and success in the Discovery Plus Program  

Supports teachers in using push-in/pull-out class time effectively to ensure lesson cycle is effectively accomplished 

Provides individual students with one-on-one assistance and tutoring as needed

Collaborates with related service providers to learn how to implement interventions/strategies/devices throughout the day

Goals and Behavior Management

Invests student(s) in achieving their goals 

Helps students connect their behavior to achieving goals and school values 

Builds independence and stamina in students 

Supports the use of an organized system to use assessment data to monitor the progress of assigned student

School-Wide Duties

Participates in school-wide duty rotations, meetings, and events

Performs other duties as needed

Education & Experience:

Previous experience working with students with health plans and cognitive needs is preferred

Experience in an urban, open admissions school

Experience working with and a deep commitment to at-risk students and families

Demonstrated record of setting high expectations for students with special needs 

Great communication and collaboration abilities

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

Believe in every student’s ability to achieve 

Achieve results based on agreed-upon expectations

Take personal responsibility 

Highly detail-oriented 

Collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders 

Share a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Model the FirstLine values of Service, Learning, Collaboration and Results

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform all required job functions with reasonable accommodations, if necessary.

PARAPROFESSIONAL reports to: SPED Coordinator and Classroom Teacher 

How to Apply: Please apply online via: http://www.firstlineschools.org/careers 

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. FirstLine Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package with a generous 403b plan.

FirstLine Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.