The posting
POSITION: Special Education Paraprofessional
GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions
LOCATION: Hiring at multiple locations (see openings here)
SALARY: $40,000-$49,500 based on years of aligned experience in a role of similar level and responsibilities up to 10 years. We also offer a relocation stipend if you are moving from a location greater than 75 miles from Denver!
STATUS: Full time, benefits eligible, non-exempt, in-person position
START: Flexible but immediate start preferred. You can view the School Year Calendar here.
We know one of the main barriers to becoming a teacher or continuing into education leadership roles for many of our non-instructional staff is the bachelor's degree requirement. If you currently do not hold a bachelor's degree, we partner with Reach University to help you earn one for free while working as a paraprofessional at DSST! If you are interested or have any questions, please email our Manger of Teacher Pathways, Ellen Dupart, at [email protected].
KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Our Special Education Paraprofessionals support the educational, behavioral, social-emotional, physical and daily living needs of students with disabilities. As a paraprofessional at DSST you could be placed in one of the below settings. Please note that your role and responsibilities will vary based on both your setting placement and campus location. Read more about Special Education Programming here.
- Mild/Moderate Setting: This role is typically providing a student with disabilities with 1:1 support who receives the majority of their instructional time in the general education classroom.
- Center Based Setting: This role typically entails working as part of a Center team providing 1:1 or small group support/instruction to students with disabilities that receive the majority of their daily instruction in a center program setting.
Work in the Classroom
- Assist with the implementation of accommodations and modifications for one or multiple students.
- Assist with the implementation of behavior intervention plans and positive behavior supports to support the behavioral needs within the classroom environment.
- Assist teachers in developing lesson plans, material preparation and collecting data for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and collect data related to academics and behavior.
- Maintain a learning environment that is structured, organized, and routine-oriented with a variety of instructional formats.
- Assist the general education teacher with students that might need extra support with learning skills within the classroom environment.
- Exhibit clear communication skills to provide support and strategies to the center program team and school community by modeling and accepting on-going feedback.
- Communicate daily with families.
- Maintain confidentiality with student records and ensure that information regarding students is shared at appropriate times.
- Facilitate interactions between students and staff and students and their peers.
Curriculum and Assessment
- Assist with a variety of assessments that measure progress towards learning outcomes and behaviors that are needed to be successful in the general education environment.
- Provide extended time to students for assessments.
- Assist in the implementation of skill replacement curriculum that is focused on successful steps to inclusion, behavior skill development, social-communication strategies to facilitate engagement in the general education classroom, and other extracurricular activities.
Professional Development
- Reflect and seek to improve learning and development.
- Participate in the school’s professional development programs including principles and procedures in Applied Behavior Analysis, development of Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention plans, and social cognition and executive function skills.
- Lead and participate in best practice sessions and peer coaching.
- Attend conferences.
Additional duties as assigned such as supporting student recruitment, running a small group advisory class, after school tutoring, etc. See many of our possible duties here.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- GED or High School Diploma
- Demonstrate “In-Field” Status to be a Paraprofessional in one of the following ways within 30 days of your start date. Read more about that here.
- An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in high school, reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives
- Desire to personally professionally grow in their practice of becoming an anti-racist educator
- Self-awareness, a regular practice of reflection, and a desire to continuously improve
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven commitment to and experience with serving students of color, students with disabilities, and/or multilingual students
Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.
Application Timeline
This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.
For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.
Who We Are
At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.
We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.
Our Impact
- 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
- 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
- 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
- 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people
Why Work at DSST?
At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.
- Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
- Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
- Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
- Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
- Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.
Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.
Employment Classification & PERA Participation
DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.
DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
