Gifted Education Assistant

About the Employer

2026-2027 Paraprofessional I - Phelps Center for the Gifted

Job Title

Paraprofessional I

Department

Learning

Pay Grade

H140

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Reports To

Principal

General Purpose

Responsible for providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom.
Specific responsibility for working with individual and/or small groups of students, and provides clerical support to teachers and staff.

Essential Job Functions

Adapt and Administer Classroom Activities

Adapt and administer classroom activities, assignments, make-up work and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher, supporting instruction and reinforcing classroom objectives.

Assist Students

Assist students, individually and in small groups, with lesson assignments, practicing and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards.

Attend Meetings

Attend meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, etc. Receiving and conveying information relative to job functions.

Communicate with Teachers

Communicate with teachers regarding student progress, participating in needs assessments and assisting in evaluating progress.

Implement Interventions

Implement interventions, under the supervision of assigned teacher, presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

Maintain Records

Maintain manual and electronic files and records providing written reference and meeting mandated requirements.

Monitor Student Behavior

Monitor individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.

Perform General Clerical Functions

Perform general clerical functions supporting the instructional program.

Respond to Emergencies

Report health and safety issues to instructional personnel, administrative personnel and/or appropriate agencies maintaining students’ personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.

Other Duties

Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

Minimum of sixty (60) college hours completed or certificate of completion from ADSE approved substitute training program. Job-related experience is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

Must obtain and maintain Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate. Must pass a criminal background clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the district, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

Knowledge of basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues, draw conclusions and create action plans.

Competencies

Knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; age-appropriate activities; and methods of instruction and training.

Skills

Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.

Technical Skills

Skill-based competencies required to perform the functions of the job, including operating standard office equipment including using a variety of software applications; planning and managing projects; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Analytical Skills

Ability to apply critical thinking/problem-solving to improve work processes.

Communication Skills

Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Adaptability

Ability to maintain confidentiality; set priorities; meet deadlines and schedules; work with detailed information; and adapt to changing priorities.

Teamwork

Ability to work as part of a team; adapt to changing priorities; and apply logical processes and analytical skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work Environment

Work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.

Physical Demands

The work is light work that requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

Physical Abilities Required

Must possess the physical ability to perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.

Additional Physical Abilities Required

Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity and walking.