Job Openings
Paraprofessional 2026-2027
Duties
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS – May include, but are not limited to, the following:
Works under the direction of and completes duties as assigned by a special education teacher(s) and/or administrator(s), assisting with the supervision, education, and management of students;
Works with small groups of students and individual children to reinforce material presented by the classroom teacher;
Assists as directed by the special education teacher and/or related services personnel with the implementation of students’ individual educational programs;
Implements instructional, reinforcement, and behavior plans under the direction of the special education teacher and/or related service provider(s);
Assists in collecting student data and documentation as directed by the supervising special education staff;
Assists individual children in need of special attention (may include, but is not limited to: changing clothes, changing diapers, feeding, self-care, hygiene, lifting/transferring, monitoring health problems, monitoring behaviors);
Supervises students in the classroom, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips;
Participates in required professional trainings and utilizes trainings to assist students in learning and being safe; and
Performs other duties and additional responsibilities, as assigned.
Employees in this position must be able to (a) sit and stand for extended periods of time, (b) type/enter data into a computer, (c) stand, walk, bend over, reach, push/pull up to 10 lbs., and lift/carry 25-40 lbs.
EXPECTATIONS
Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students, families, and school employees
Communicates effectively with staff and students
Maintains a professional attitude and treats all students with dignity and respect
Displays fairness, patience, self-control, and impartiality for all students and staff
Works cooperatively and effectively with others
Helps maintain a positive classroom and school environment
Adheres to the designated work schedule
Follows policies and procedures of the district(s)/building(s) to which the paraprofessional is assigned
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
- ISBE Professional Educator License (Paraprofessional, Teaching, or Substitute)
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and time management skills
- Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain automotive insurance coverage as required by IL law
Salary/Benefits
- Regionally Competitive salary and benefits: full-time employment ranges from $18/hr to $24/hr (depending on experience).
- Benefits include 15 sick days, 3 personal days, insurance and IMRF contributions, professional development and training provided, retirement incentives offered, and support provided from a great team and organization. Please contact Bobbi Fisher for further information.
Terms of Employment:
- Full-Time Permanent – 180 Day Position
- Start Date August 2026
- Hours- 8:00-3:30
Additional Notes
This is the 2nd year that the Thrive MSSE Public Day School ran by Mid-State Special Education Cooperative, has been open. We serve 13 school districts: Bond, Brownstown, Carlinville, Edinburg, Hillsboro, Litchfield, Morrisonville, Mulberry Grove, Panhandle, Ramsey, St. Elmo, South Fork, and Vandalia. The new public day school will be located at 1500 W. Jefferson St. in Vandalia, IL. We have 3 classrooms with paraprofessional support, a School Social Worker, Principal, Secretary, and all related services needed for student success. We will provide similar support that a private day school offers, but we pay towards IMRF benefits. We are a special education cooperative that is made up of over 50 amazing professionals that include the Director, clerical staff, School Psychologist, School Social Workers, Program Coordinators, Transition Specialists, BCBA and RBT services, OT, PT, Speech Services, instruction for DHH students as well as VI students, and O&M services. Come and join us for this great adventure of starting something that is VERY much needed in the area; a 100% special education public day school.
How to Apply
Email Bobbi Fisher, Director, your resume and letter of interest at [email protected] or call her at 217-526-8121 ext. 244. Please visit our website to apply as well to apply. Choose "paraprofessional" to find the posting and job description https://www.midstatespec.org/join-our-team/licensed/.
Link to District/Third Party Online Application Web Page
https://www.midstatespec.org/join-our-team/non-certified/
Email Address
School District
Position Website
https://www.midstatespec.org/join-our-team/non-certified/
Job Posting Date
3/16/2026
Application Deadline
8/12/2026
Start Date
8/11/2026
