Special Education Paraprofessional
About Us
The Utopian Network is built around 4 schools: Elementary, Flagship Middle, Middle at Trilith, and High. Utopian Academy for the Arts Elementary School is a premier performing arts school in Clayton County, GA. Our school has entertainment industry partnerships and a rich curriculum that supports the growth and development of the whole child as an artist, a leader, and a lifelong learner. In fact, we refer to our students as scholars and have high expectations for their behavior and progress in the classroom. Industry partnerships include the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Music Project, KidNation, and Trilith Studios. Utopian Academy for the Arts Middle School offers a proven academic foundation and creative pipeline that equips scholars for success in high school, college, thriving arts careers, and lifelong achievement. We pride ourselves on thinking outside of the box to cultivate the full potential of our young creatives. At Utopian Academy for the Arts at Trilith, creativity isn’t a class—it’s a way of life. Utopian Academy at Trilith is an arts-based public charter middle school, serving scholars in grades 6th–8th with a statewide attendance zone. Rooted in academic excellence and powered by the Creative Digital Arts, Utopian Academy at Trilith blends rigorous core instruction with an arts-integrated curriculum that sparks imagination and innovation. At Utopian Academy for the Arts High School, excellence isn’t an aspiration - it’s the standard we rehearse every day. As Georgia’s only tuition-free public charter high school with a fully integrated arts curriculum, we empower scholars to thrive academically, artistically, and professionally.
Position Overview
The Special Education Paraprofessional at Utopian Academy for the Arts plays a vital role in supporting students with disabilities in their academic, social, and emotional development within our vibrant, arts-integrated learning environment. Working alongside special education teachers, related service providers, and specialists, the Special Education Paraprofessional provides targeted, individualized assistance to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), helping every learner access and thrive within the academy's unique creative curriculum.
Key Role Responsibilities
- Assists the special education teacher in preparing differentiated educational materials and adapted resources tailored to meet the individual needs and IEP goals of students with disabilities;
- Assists with all aspects of the daily routine, including distributing and collecting supplies, keeping attendance records, and supporting progress monitoring and data collection on student IEP goals as assigned;
- Assists with preparing and maintaining accessible, sensory-supportive bulletin boards and learning center areas that reflect and accommodate diverse learning needs;
- Provides small group and/or individualized instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with the supervising special education teacher's lesson plans and IEP accommodations and modifications;
- Assists students with personal care, mobility, and adaptive equipment needs as required by their IEPs and in accordance with established health and safety protocols;
- Monitors students before and after school and during non-instructional transition periods, providing structured support and prompting as needed for students who require additional guidance;
- Supervises students closely during breakfast, lunch, and/or recess, facilitating social interactions and providing supports that promote peer inclusion and independence;
- During fire drills or other emergency evacuations, assists in ensuring a safe and orderly exit, with particular attention to the mobility, sensory, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities;
- Maintains confidentiality of all student records, IEP information, and disability-related documentation in compliance with FERPA and IDEA regulations;
- Participates in IEP meetings, professional development, and team planning sessions as directed;
- Performs other duties, as deemed appropriate, by the Principal, special education teacher, and/or their designee.
Qualifications
- Current GA Paraprofessional Certificate; OR
- High School Diploma or equivalent GED AND passed GA paraprofessional assessment; OR
- Associate's degree or completed 2 years of study at an institution of higher education.
Preferred
- State Paraprofessional certification.
- Bachelor's degree
Education
- High school diploma; OR
- Equivalent GED
Work Experience
- Work experience gained through education and/or certification/license requirements
- Two years of experience in charter/school setting
- Experience in Special Education setting
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of childhood growth and development.
- Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise children.
- General knowledge of academic subjects relevant to the position assignment.
- Computer proficiency and ability to work effectively in an in-person learning environment.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions.
- Demonstrated ability to work well with students, staff, and parents in a professional manner.
- Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between various in-person learning environments
- Knowledge of school safety amp; security procedures.
- Excellent writing and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.