The paraprofessional provides one-to-one instructional and personal care support to students with special needs in a school setting. Responsibilities include monitoring student behavior and academic progress, assisting with personal care tasks, and collaborating with teachers to implement IEP goals.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess an associate's degree, 48 college credit hours, or a Praxis certification. Prior experience working with children is required, along with the ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting students.
We Are Team MNPS Metro Schools is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the United States.
Our teachers and staff educate more than 80,000 students in Metro Nashville-Davidson County, preparing them to excel in higher education, work, and life.
Our district implements some of the most innovative reform strategies in the nation.
We seek to partner with highly effective, engaging teachers, teacher leaders and support staff with a passion for urban education and a go-getter spirit as we strive to become the highest-performing urban district in the nation.
Whether you are a teacher, an administrator, or a potential support staff employee, if you want to make a difference, we want to hear from you.
Job Summary
The Paraprofessional One-to-One position provides support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of a student with special needs in the general or special education setting; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student academics and behavior; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.
What you will do
Acts as a mandated reporter for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the student.
May adapt classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher or Administrator for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives and meeting IEP goals.
May administer tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting student needs in the classroom
Assist in the personal care of students such as feeding, diapering, etc. This may include the need to physically lift students to changing tables, remove and position students in wheelchairs or other positioning equipment, assist students on/off a toilet. May escort student to other locations (e.g. bathroom, classroom, community etc.…) for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and safe arrival to and/or from a destination.
Monitors, collects and records students’ behavioral and/or academic data as directed by and under the direct supervision of the certified teacher.
Assist students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts. Facilitates and models appropriate social interactions and behaviors among students.
Supervises, engages, and promotes independence with individualized attention to students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, and/or other activities designated by the teacher or administrator.
Attends and actively participates in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and understanding of special populations, may include training for proper restraint procedures, social and emotional learning best practices, and literacy.
Maintains professionalism and confidentiality. Models' respectful behavior towards students, peers, and supervisors. Collaborates with teachers to ensure consistent communication from teacher to all stakeholders.
Education Qualifications
Associate's Degree in applicable field of study or 48 hours of college credit hours from an accredited college or university or successful completion of Praxis certification Required
Experience Qualifications
Prior experience working with children Preferred
Skills and Abilities
Ability to demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality;
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in all situations and must be able to withhold confidential information;
Ability to work well with all levels of internal management, staff, and students as well as parents/guardians;
Ability to respond to changing situations in the workplace and exhibit flexibility;
Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently under varying deadlines and adapt to changing work priorities;
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and with frequent interruptions;
Ability to set work priorities, take initiative, and work efficiently under minimum supervision;
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing and the use of proper grammar and punctuation to write routine reports and correspondence;
Proficient in basic computer skills and able to operate standard office equipment including using pertinent job related software applications and preparing and maintaining accurate records;
Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative in dealing with students, faculty, and parents/guardians;
Ability to communicate with diverse groups;
Ability to operate standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications and preparing and maintaining accurate records;
Able to operate a mechanic lift.
At Metro Nashville Public Schools, we use detailed academic, behavior and social-emotional data to ensure every student in the district is known and our staff makes a concerted effort to tune into students' interests, passions, learning styles and needs. We focus on creating and supporting rigorous, engaging and personalized learning experiences for all students to identify and eliminate inequities - so every student has a clear and achievable path to success marked by measurable goals.
Offering a range of program and opportunities, MNPS has options to fit every family's needs. Whether you are looking for advanced academics, visual and performing arts, special education services, English language support or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) educational programs, we offer the best choices to meet individual student needs - starting at Pre-K all the way through graduation.
Our Vision Metro Nashville Public Schools will be established as the premier large school district in Tennessee and beyond by ensuring that every student is known.
Our Mission We deliver a great public education to every student, every day.
Our Core Values Core values drive and focus our collective commitments included in our mission and vision. These values reflect the principles that guide our internal conduct, as well as our relationships with the external community. Our core values are woven throughout our goals, high-level strategies, and performance measures.
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all individuals.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of our global community.
We strive to treat all employees and applicants with respect and fairness, and we make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires MNPS to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities.
Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Market context
Tennessee one-to-one para roles are steady
In Tennessee, one-to-one para professional roles are typically driven by ongoing special education support needs in schools. This role is competitive because it requires both the right credential path and hands-on experience working with children, plus the physical ability to assist students safely. Review the posting carefully and confirm your associate’s degree, 48 college credit hours, or Praxis certification before applying; the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original description to save research time.
