WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT

POSITION DESCRIPTION

AREA: Instructional Paraeducator (General Education) 

REPORTS TO: Building Principal - Muldown Elementary

Whitefish School District seeks an Instructional Paraeducator (General Education) to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. With the support of our community, Whitefish School District creates an educational environment where each student can reach their academic potential, prepare for career opportunities, and become engaged citizens.

SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT:

The instructional paraeducator assists one or more certified teachers, other staff members, or the building principal with instructional and non-instructional activities for students. Responsibilities vary with assignment, but typically include tutoring students, instructing students individually or in small groups, assisting with school and classroom management, maintaining student records, preparing classroom materials, correcting student assignments, and duplicating materials. All duties are to be undertaken in alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan, putting the safety, health, and well-being of students at the forefront of all actions and decisions. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Certification

• Minimum 2 years of college coursework (60 units) or an Associate’s degree in education or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in assisting with reading, writing, and math instruction.

Experience & Technical Skills

• Professional Background: Proven experience as a paraeducator (Title I, Special Ed, or General) or in a childcare/educational setting.
• Instructional Support: Knowledge of child development, special education goals, basic arithmetic, and the ability to operate teaching aids and office equipment.
• Administrative: Demonstrated proficiency in routine clerical tasks, time management, and maintaining strict confidentiality of student records.

Behavioral & Interpersonal Strengths

• Student Engagement: A patient, warm, and receptive approach toward children.
• Adaptability: Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and follow complex oral/written instructions.
• Collaboration: Skill in maintaining cooperative relationships with students and staff.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):

Instructional Support & Student Interaction

• Lesson Delivery: With the specific direction of the certified teacher, assist with the development and presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises.
• Small Group/Individual Tutoring: Assist students individually or in small groups to reinforce and follow up on learning activities; monitor students through drill, practice, and study activities.
• Student Evaluation: Continuously monitor and evaluate student progress; assist in scoring tests and computing/recording grades.
• Motivation: Motivate students through effective communication, high expectations for achievement, and evaluative feedback.

Behavioral & Classroom Management

• Supervision: Monitor and supervise students as assigned in the classroom, during transitions, or in common areas.
• Behavioral Support: Assist in shaping appropriate social behaviors and use appropriate behavior management techniques to maintain a positive climate for learning.
• Discipline: Assist in maintaining student discipline in accordance with district standards.
• Environment: Assist in maintaining a neat, orderly, safe, and attractive learning environment.

Administrative & Clerical Duties

• Resource Management: Distribute and account for materials such as textbooks, supplies, and equipment; collect, assemble, and catalog resource materials.
• Clerical Operations: Perform a variety of regular clerical duties including filing, typing, and duplicating instructional materials.
• Records Maintenance: Assist in maintaining a variety of reports, student records, and attendance data.

Professionalism & Communication

• Compliance: Adhere to Board Policy, maintain strict confidentiality, and follow supervisor directives.
• Soft Skills: Demonstrate effective time management, mathematical accuracy, and professional oral/written communication with staff.  Redirect all communication with parents to certified staff members.

EQUIPMENT USED: A variety of electronic and technology devices, copier, telephone/voice mail, fax.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside but may be assigned to outside activities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; occasionally walk and stand; twist at neck, bend at waist; kneel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to be able to hear conversations in quiet environments. May be required to lift or move up to 20 pounds.

MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are usually available. The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity.

The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations shall be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For those classified employees employed under a written contract for a specified term, nothing contained in this job description shall create a property right beyond the specified duration of the employment contract. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employed for prescribed term, salary, benefits and other working conditions to be determined by District Policy, Federal and State Law as well as appropriate funding from state, federal, and/or passage of levies.

EVALUATION:

Performance of said duties will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.

Updated 3/2026