Paraprofessional - Special Education (on-site)

Description

Why Join The Cottonwood School?

At The Cottonwood School, we believe that education extends far beyond academics. We are a community dedicated to a personalized, whole-learner approach that nurtures academic, social, and emotional growth. When you join our team, you aren't just filling a position—you are becoming part of a mission-driven organization committed to "Building Community Through Connection."

What sets us apart:

• Relationships First: We believe meaningful connections are the foundation of our work. Our culture is built on trust, empathy, and the belief that every family and staff member has a story worth knowing.
• Student-Centered Innovation: We empower our team to think creatively and embrace a growth mindset. Whether you are an educator or professional staff member, you will have the support to explore innovative approaches that help every student thrive.
• Collaborative Excellence: We are a team that supports one another, generously shares ideas, and celebrates success. We prioritize professional growth and leadership development to ensure our staff feel valued and empowered.
• Joy & Belonging: We intentionally cultivate an environment where staff are fulfilled, communities thrive, and students flourish. We believe joy is an essential part of a thriving educational experience.

If you are a passionate professional looking to make a lasting impact in a collaborative, supportive, and innovative environment, we invite you to help us shape the future of homeschooling.

Visit our Careers Page to learn more about our school!

Compensation & Benefits

We are committed to long-term investment in our staff, demonstrated by our competitive, market-aligned salary schedules and a benefits package designed to support your total well-being. We offer an industry-leading benefits package, featuring employer contributions that significantly exceed market standards for medical premiums.

In addition to competitive salaries, eligible full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, Life & Disability insurance, 403(b) and 457(b) plans (with matching available for certain classifications), an Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending accounts for health and dependent care, Paid Time Off, sick leave benefits (for certain classifications and eligible staff), pet insurance, and more!

*Compensation & benefits may be prorated based on date of hire.*

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Associate Director of Special Education, this position will provide direct, in-person Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) and support to TK-12 Adult Transition students receiving special education services. This position will assist the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), facilitate student engagement in academic and behavioral goals, prepare materials, and foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment.

Job Details

• Application Deadline: Until Filled
• Start Date: November 30, 2026
• Vacancies: Dependent on student need
• Direct Supervisor: Associate Director of Special Education
• Work Calendar: 237
• Classification: Classified
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Work Location: On-Site
• Work Schedule & Hours Per Week:
  • Full-time: 40 hours per week
  • Part-time: Up to 29 hours per week

Application Requirements: 

Please upload the following Required Documents in the Upload Additional Files section:

• Transcripts
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (dated within 2 years) (1 if Internal applicant) 

Additional Role-Specific Information - Paid Time Off: 

• Full-time: Full-time regular classified employees receive 23 paid non-workdays/holidays, 8 PTO days, and 12 Paid Sick Leave days per school year (July–June). 
• Part-time: Part-time employees receive 40 hours of Paid Sick Leave.

Recruitment Policies

To maintain the integrity of our recruitment process, the use of artificial intelligence tools or automated assistance is not permitted at any point during the assessment or live interview. Candidates are expected to complete all assessments and interviews independently. As part of our commitment to finding the right fit for our culture and role, please note that The Cottonwood School uses TargetSuccess as an assessment tool during our screening process.

Requirements

 Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of experience in a related field or position, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Basic proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and virtual communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Chat, or similar tools)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working at a charter school
• Associate's degree or completion of college coursework in a related field preferred

Employment Requirements

• SB 484 Verification
• Background Clearance
• Tuberculosis Clearance (Risk Assessment or Skin Test)
• I-9 Verification (Appropriate US Work Permits as required)
• Complete Required Mandatory Trainings for School Employees