Elan Academy Charter School·New Orleans, Louisiana
Paraprofessionals provide intensive academic, emotional, and physical support to scholars, specifically those with exceptionalities, to ensure mastery of the curriculum. They collaborate with teachers to implement IEPs, manage classroom behavior, and assist with personal care needs.
Embody & Élan Academy’s mission, vision, and values; Participate in an annual summer staff orientation and training; Communicate effectively with scholars, families, and colleagues Implement scholar accommodations according to their IEP. Assist lead teachers, special education teachers, and service providers in implementing instructional activities that align with the school's curriculum and educational goals. Provide one-on-one or small group support to students who require additional assistance with academic tasks. Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel supported and valued. Assist in the preparation and organization of classroom materials, resources, and technology needed for instruction. Supervise students during classroom activities, transitions, and other times as directed by the scholar’s IEP. Collaborate with teachers and other staff members to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs. Monitor student progress and behavior, and communicate observations to the teacher or other appropriate team members. Support scholars with personal and health-related care needs, including diapering and toileting, feeding, and mobility assistance, as outlined in the scholar’s IEP, Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP), or as directed by the school nurse. Perform specialized health and personal care procedures for scholars with significant medical needs, including gastrostomy tube (G-tube) feeding and frequent diaper changes, after completing required training and under the guidance of the school nurse or appropriate licensed provider. Follow universal precautions and infection control procedures, including proper handwashing, glove use, and sanitary disposal, when assisting with feeding, diapering, and other personal care tasks. Protect each scholar’s dignity, privacy, and safety at all times when providing personal and medical care, and document and report any changes in a scholar’s health, comfort, or behavior to the school nurse, teacher, or appropriate team member. Assist with the implementation of behavior management strategies and interventions to promote a positive and safe learning environment. Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance job-related skills and knowledge. Perform other duties as assigned by the Scholar Support Coordinator. Mindset Requirements: Believe that there is not a more urgent task than providing an outstanding academic and character education to ALL scholars regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, Believe that the children of New Orleans have been historically underserved, and they deserve an excellent education. Believe the opportunity gap can be eliminated and that this can be accomplished not through heroics but through focused instruction. Believe children can thrive academically, creatively, and emotionally in a highly organized learning environment. Believe fostering great relationships with families and stakeholders can lead to transformational learning opportunities. Believe high-quality schools focus on scholar learning and intentionally use data to influence scholar outcomes. Believe that all members of the Élan Academy Community are capable of growth. We invest in consistent, measurable, and meaningful learning opportunities that promote academic and personal advancement for all scholars and adults. Believe that the standardized exams our students take provide valuable data that must inform our instruction.
Élan Academy offers a generous compensation package, including a 401 (K) contribution match, health, dental, and vision insurance, and more! Élan Academy also ensures that ALL staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.
Education Requirements: High School Diploma Required One of the following: LA ParaPro Praxis Passed- Score 450+ 48hrs of college credit or Associates Degree Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and to position, transfer, and physically support scholars with limited mobility, with or without adaptive equipment. Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for extended periods. Ability to assist students with physical tasks as needed. Ability to kneel, crouch, and bend repeatedly to assist scholars with diapering, feeding, and personal care. Ability to respond quickly to scholars’ medical, safety, and mobility needs throughout the school day.
Market context
In Louisiana, school support staff roles that involve student health services are often competitive because districts look for candidates who can manage daily care needs, communicate clearly with families and staff, and support inclusive practices. For this role, a current Louisiana RN license and experience working with children in a health setting are key, so review the posting closely and tailor your application to show school-based or pediatric experience. Job requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you save research time before you apply.