Special Education Paraprofessional

Rapelje School is seeking two full-time Special Education Paraprofessionals for the 2025-2026 school year. The caseload is small. The starting salary is approximately $12.50 per hour. Free special education paraprofessional training is available from the Montana Office of Public Instruction. School housing may be available. 

Rapelje has about 65 K-12 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of about 5:1. Our school year is 169 days (including PIR days) with a five-day week, ending one hour early on Fridays. The 2025-2026 school year runs from August 25 to May 12. The current rent is $175/month or $275/month, including water. Employees pay for internet, phone, propane, and electricity.

Rapelje School is a small rural school in south-central Montana. We are located 25 miles north of Columbus, 70 miles north of Red Lodge, 65 miles northwest of Billings, and 124 miles from Bozeman. Rapelje is centrally located for many outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing.

Rapelje boasts a supportive community and a positive work environment. It is a great place to teach and learn!

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS*

• Assists instructional personnel with the development of a variety of instructional materials.
• Assists in the presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises in compliance with the student’s IEP.
• Tutors students individually or in small groups to reinforce and follow up learning activities.
• Monitors and assists students through drills, practice, and study activities after instructional personnel present concepts.
• Assists in the supervision of special education students in the classroom, on study trip activities, on the playground, and on bus duty, as directed.
• Listens to students reading, reads to students, explains words and meanings, rephrases materials, and provides similar learning examples.
• Assists students in their personal hygiene.
• Assists in the management and shaping of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies.
• Assists in maintaining a variety of reports and records.
• Performs general clerical duties for instructional personnel.
• Assists in maintaining student discipline.
• Assists in scoring tests; computes and records test scores.
• Assists in maintaining a neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment, including designing and displaying bulletin boards.

*Only minimum duties are listed.  Other functions may be required as given or assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

•           Completion of at least two years of study at an institute of higher education or completion of a para-educator course; obtain an associate or higher degree or meet a rigorous standard of quality; and can demonstrate through a formal state or local academic assessment the knowledge of and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and math; one year paid or volunteer experience working with children in an educational or child-care setting highly desirable, preferably involving children with special needs.

The full job description is available from the Rapelje School District Office.