Special Education Paraprofessional

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential. And it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

The Position – 1:1 Paraprofessional

The 1:1 Paraprofessional provides specialized, individualized support to a student within the general education environment, including the classroom, lunch, recess, and other school settings. This role works under the supervision of a licensed Education Specialist, who provides ongoing coaching, weekly guidance, training, and instructional support.

This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting students with disabilities and helping them thrive in an inclusive learning environment. Candidates should have a foundational understanding of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), differentiated instruction, and strategies for fostering student independence while providing appropriate academic support.

The Paraprofessional supports both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math instruction, balancing direct intervention with opportunities for students to build confidence, engagement, and independence.

Behavior support is a key component of this role. Candidates with experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), utilizing positive behavior support strategies, and collaborating with teachers to reinforce behavioral expectations throughout the school day will be especially successful.

The ideal candidate is patient, flexible, and relationship-driven, with the ability to remain calm and consistent while supporting students through challenging behaviors. They create a structured, positive learning environment that promotes both academic growth and social-emotional development.

Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential, as Paraprofessionals partner closely with teachers, specialists, and other school staff to reinforce student goals, redirect behavior when needed, maintain student engagement, and ensure students receive the academic, behavioral, and emotional support they need to succeed throughout the school day.

Location: Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary - 2526 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207

Essential Functions

• Implement individual and small group instruction for students special education needs under the direction of the special education case manager
• Collaborate with students' case managers to assess student progress towards goals on a consistent basis; communicate student progress with case managers and general education teachers
• Collaborate with all staff members to ensure that all students have consistent and well-coordinated support and communicate effectively with colleagues and contribute to positive staff culture
• Partner with families on the academic and social progress and needs of a student
• Provide accommodations and/or modifications to learners with disabilities to provide access to grade level content and demonstrate her or his true understanding on assessments as determined by the IEP team in collaboration with general educators
• Ensure that all students realize rigorous academic goals outlined in their IEP along with our core content. Our goal is that each Rocketeer grows at least 1.5 years
• Implement behavior management strategies during small group and individual instruction in order to support student engagement
• Manage student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment
• Collect and provide feedback for the development of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as needed
• Assist in the implementation of BIPs, which may involve positive reinforcement strategies, behavior modification, or other skills to maintain appropriate behaviors
• Record data for individualized instructional programs and positive behavior support plans
• Support a spectrum of needs for life skills, including but not limited to: toileting and diapering, assist with hygiene, feeding and other daily life skills
• Provide appropriate crisis intervention as necessary using the least restrictive method by anticipating and responding quickly and appropriately to escalating behaviors

Qualifications

• A team player who is detail-oriented, resourceful and able to manage his/her responsibility with confidence and discretion
• Comfort in a start-up environment with flexibility Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Passion for working with young children
• At least 2 years of college or passing score on Rocketship's Paraprofessional Assessment required
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred