Paraeducator-Special Education

Boulder Valley School District is committed to create challenging, meaningful, and engaging learning opportunities so that all children thrive and are prepared for successful, civically engaged lives. Our comprehensive and innovative approach to education ensures that each student meets expectations relative to intellectual growth, physical development and social emotional well-being. The district covers approximately 500 square miles and serves the communities of Boulder, Erie, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, Broomfield, Nederland, Ward, Jamestown and Gold Hill. Website: BVSD.

Location: US:CO:BOULDER

School: Horizons K-8 School

Position Title: Paraeducator-Special Education

Position Start Date: October 26, 2026

Position Type: Charter

FTE: 0.425 - 17 Hours per week - Regular, ongoing

Work Schedule: 9 Month - Hourly

Closing Date: October 13, 2026

Summary:

Horizons K-8 School, located in south Boulder, has a rich history of academic excellence. The Horizons community takes great pride in attending to the whole child through an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, safety and kindness throughout the school. A consistently high-performing school, Horizons emphasizes multi-age groupings, diverse perspectives, full inclusion, service learning, teacher-guided student choice, community building, authentic and active learning experiences, outdoor education, use of technology, and project-based instruction. Our 368 students are in classes of approximately 19-22, guided by an exemplary group of teacher leaders. The school is governed through a horizontal structure that includes faculty, staff, parents and administration. Portfolio-based assessments and reflections, along with student-led conferences, replace traditional report cards and grades. 

Our mission is to guide K-8 students to become self-directed learners in a supportive, collaborative environment rooted in critical thinking, justice, and choice. At Horizons K-8 School we strive to make our school an exciting, inclusive place to work, teach, learn, create, and innovate by actively fostering a respectful and responsible environment where all community members - staff, students and families - are included. 

Position Description:

This paraprofessional educator position (17 hours per week Mon-Thurs, non-benefited) at Horizons K-8 School involves education support in our 3rd/4th grade classrooms. 

A paraeducator works under the supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher, assists the teacher in the education of students including management of student behavior; record keeping; instructional assistance; classroom safety, security and organization; and interaction and communication with students, support staff, parents/guardians, and agencies. 

Responsibilities: 

The following statements of duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position 

• Assist the Teacher with instructing and supervising children in classroom activities. 
• Follow the directives and norms of the Teacher when working with small groups. 
• Work with individual children or small groups of children to reinforce new skills initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist the Teacher in devising and implementing strategies for reinforcing skills based on the special needs and abilities of each child. Assist with daily activities such as classroom transition times, meal times and recess. 
• Utilize appropriate language, interactions and positive discipline. 
• Model positive behavior.
•  Proactively ask for help or directions as needed. 
• Implement age appropriate activities that support the curriculum. 
• Assist with field trips or day trips under the supervision of the teacher.
• Continuously monitor children to ensure safety at all times, and report child abuse and neglect. 
• Assist Teacher to prepare activities that support lesson plans. 
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, administrators and other specialists.
•  Actively participate in meetings. Help to maintain a clean and organized learning environment. 
• Assist with routinely checking classroom equipment and materials to ensure they are in good repair. 
• Utilize conflict resolution and nonviolent communication when working with children, whether in the classroom, the lunchroom or on the playground. 
• Follow the norms of Horizons K-8 when supervising on the playground. 
• Assist students in accessing and using technology in the classroom. 
• Communicate with honesty and kindness across settings. 
• Contribute with a positive attitude to the work environment. 
• Maintain confidentiality at all times. 
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to supervise outdoor activities for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to use technologoy, including web-based applications, copiers, printers and LCD projectors.
• Completed and submitted BVSD online application.
• Communicate (read, write, and speak) in English.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds; diaper, feed; complete other delegated nursing and health care duties.

• Experience working with children.
• Knowledge of content in reading, writing and mathematics; expeirence in classrooms that use differentiation and inclusive practices; co-teaching, hands-on learning, and performance based or alternative assessments.
• Ability to organize active games on the playground with groups of children. 
• Evidence of prior demonstrations of postiive attitude and willingness to be a learner. 
• Experience with conflict resolution and positive, relationship-based methods of discipline.
• Experience working with school children in a school setting preferred.
• Positive communication, interaction and work experience with diverse people.
• Basic bilingual skills (English/Spanish).

Salary Information: 

Salary: This is a part-time hourly position; the wage is based on the Horizons Para Educator salary schedule, which can be found via the Horizons K-8 website. Up to 5 years of experience considered for step placement.

Contact: Kristin Hauger, Head of School: kristin.hauger@bvsd.org