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Para Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Para Educator

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$20.55 - $22.20/hr

Support Staff/Para educator Date Posted: 8/25/2026 Location: Fergus Falls Public Schools The Fergus ... Operate office and school machines as needed. Assist middle school staff (grades 7/8) with ...

Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with ... Key Responsibilities * Assist licensed staff in the classroom by helping implement academic ...

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Para Assistant information

What is a para assistant?

Para Assistants, commonly known as paraprofessional assistants or teacher's aides, are educational support staff who work under the supervision of certified teachers to help deliver instructional and administrative support in classrooms. They assist with classroom management, work with individual students or small groups, and help with tasks such as preparing materials and supervising activities. Para Assistants often work with students who have special needs, providing them with additional attention and support to enhance their learning experience.

What does a para assistant do?

Para Assistants play a vital role in supporting both teachers and students by helping with instructional activities, classroom management, and individualized student needs. They often work one-on-one or with small groups of students, including those with special needs, to reinforce lessons and encourage engagement. Additionally, Para Assistants assist with preparing materials, supervising students during transitions, and monitoring student progress, ensuring a smooth and productive classroom environment. Collaboration with teachers and other school staff is a key part of the role, allowing for consistent support and effective communication about student needs and progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a para assistant?

To thrive as a Para Assistant, you need a solid understanding of instructional support, classroom management, and child development, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with educational software, assistive technology, and basic computer applications is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and a collaborative attitude are essential soft skills for engaging students and supporting teachers. These skills and qualities are crucial for fostering a positive learning environment and effectively assisting with students’ academic and behavioral needs.

What is the difference between Para Assistant vs Teacher Assistant?

AspectPara AssistantTeacher Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional trainingHigh school diploma; some positions prefer coursework in education or related fields
Work EnvironmentAssist teachers in classrooms, administrative tasks, and student supervisionSupport teachers by working directly with students, helping with instruction and classroom activities
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutions, special education programsPrimarily in K-12 schools, educational settings

Both Para Assistants and Teacher Assistants work in educational environments supporting teachers and students. While their roles overlap in assisting classroom activities, Para Assistants often have broader responsibilities, including administrative support, whereas Teacher Assistants focus more on direct student instruction and support. The choice depends on specific job duties and required qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Para jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Para jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Para Assistant jobs in Minnesota?

For Para Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Para Assistant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Para Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Para Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Class D1 Special Education Para, Class A Lunchroom/Playground Para and Bus/Traffic Para at Deephaven

Minnetonka Public School District

Wayzata, MN • On-site

$24.31/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Paraprofessional/Special Education Para
Date Posted:
7/22/2026
Location:
Deephaven Elementary
Date Available:
2026-2027
Closing Date:
07/28/2026 at noon
Assignment:
6.5 hours per day, 184 days per year
  • 3 hours is Class D1 Special Education Para with minimum hourly rate of $24.31 (new rate for 2026-2027)
  • 3 hours is Class A Lunchroom/Playground Para with minimum hourly rate of $20.28 (new rate for 2026-2027)
  • 30 minutes is Class D1 Bus Traffic Para with minimum hourly rate of $24.31 (new rate for 2026-2027)

Click here to view the Paraprofessional wage schedule. Please scroll down to Appendix A.
Benefit eligible position. Click here to view benefit details.
Lunchroom/Playground Para Job Responsibilities:
  1. Provide supervision of students and enforce school rules in the lunchroom, playground, or other designated locations in cooperation with other staff.
  2. Guide students in the implementation of rules, routines and expectations for the playground and lunchroom.
  3. Complete routine paperwork and perform record-keeping activities related to monitoring activities.
  4. Assist with cleaning the lunchroom tables as needed.
  5. Report any areas of concern regarding student behavior and equipment needs to the building principal.
  6. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Special Education Para Job Responsibilities:
  1. Support, modify, adjust and monitor individualized instruction in academic areas, functional skills, and/or behavior programs for special education students on a 1:1 or small group basis within both regular and special education classroom settings.
  2. Assist students with self-care tasks of feeding, dressing, and toileting. Lifting will be necessary for repositioning and physical restraints as necessary. Under the direction of an LSN, perform basic medical procedures to include, but not limited to, tube feedings and catheterization.
  3. Operate special education equipment (i.e., wheelchairs, and augmentative communication devices, assistive technology) and supervise their safe and proper use.
  4. Apply student management techniques and anticipate, prevent or stop self-destructive student behaviors.
  5. Participate in IEP conferences, school conferences, meetings with staff and/or parents, etc. as requested.
  6. Write concise observational data, maintain a log, record computerized data, maintain behavior charts, and monitor students' attendance on a daily basis.
  7. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
  8. Will participate in training on third party reimbursement and implement third party reimbursement tasks as needed.

Job Qualifications:
  1. Must meet highly qualified status, as defined by the MDE, beginning on day 1 of employment. Failure to meet highly qualified status may impact start date.
  2. Evidence of successful completion of the Personal Care Assistant Training certification test through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The certification test is available online and must be completed as part of the pre-employment process.
  3. Demonstrated experience supporting student instruction in the classroom preferred.
  4. Evidence of knowledge and/or experience in using behavior modification strategies including restitution and resiliency.
  5. Demonstrated training, knowledge and application of CPI strategies, preferred.
  6. Evidence of ability to be firm but kind, caring but consistent, patient and vigilant.
  7. Evidence of ability to accept direction from supervising teacher(s) and work as a team member with other professionals.
  8. Evidence of ability to write concise observational data, maintain a log, record computerized data, and maintain behavior charts.
  9. Evidence of ability to be resourceful and try options within the plan laid out with the teacher; act independently within scope of program to assist students in maintaining appropriate behaviors and achieving skills.
  10. Evidence of understanding of and the ability to abide by data privacy laws.
  11. Proven record of excellent organizational skills, punctuality and responsibility.
  12. Evidence of ability to modify and adjust the curriculum with input from supervising teacher(s).
  13. Evidence of understanding of and willingness to abide by confidentiality policy and practice of the district.
  14. Demonstrated computer skills are desirable.
  15. Evidence of willingness to participate in district and other training programs for paraprofessionals prior to and during employment.
  16. Evidence of strong communication skills and positive interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.