Job Description

Level: Entry
Job Location: Ward 5 or Ward 8 - Washington, DC 20018
Position Type: Full TimeEducation
Level: High School
Salary Range: $49,826.28 - $78,297.70 Salary
Travel Percentage: Negligible
Job Shift: Day
Job Category: EducationParaeducator
Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School
Locations: Ward 5 and Ward 8 Campuses | Washington, DC
Reports to: Principal and/or Lead Teacher
Functional Area: Academics
Classification: Professional
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $52,347 - $80,646.63
About Academy of Hope
Academy of Hope (AoH) Adult Public Charter School has served adult learners in Washington, DC since 1985. Our mission is to empower adults to earn high school credentials, build workforce-ready skills, and pursue postsecondary education. AoH is known for its learner-centered approach, strong community partnerships, and commitment to equity and access in adult education.
Why This Role Matters
Academy of Hope serves adult learners with diverse academic backgrounds, learning needs, and life experiences. Paraeducators play a critical role in supporting instruction, reinforcing learning, and ensuring learners have the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed. Working closely with teachers, Paraeducators help create inclusive, respectful, and supportive classroom environments that promote learner confidence, persistence, and academic growth.
This role is essential to strengthening instructional delivery and advancing equity in adult education.
What You’ll Do
Classroom & Instructional Support
- Support teachers in implementing daily lesson plans by reinforcing instructional activities and learning tasks
- Provide one-on-one and small-group instructional support to learners needing additional assistance
- Assist with differentiated instruction and individualized learning strategies
- Encourage learner participation, model appropriate academic language, and support learner engagement
- Support a range of instructional groupings, including independent work, small groups, and cooperative learning
Learner Observation & Documentation
- Observe learners and document anecdotal notes to inform instructional planning and support strategies
- Assist in maintaining accurate learner records and instructional documentation as directed
- Support data collection related to learner progress and classroom performance
Inclusive & Specialized Support
- Support learners with disabilities by assisting with accommodations, universal design strategies, and instructional supports
- Assist in administering instructional plans and accommodation plans in alignment with adult education best practices
- Support learners with safe transitions between instructional activities and settings
- Assist learners with effective and appropriate use of instructional technology
Dedicated & Specialized Paraeducator Support (As Assigned)
- Support implementation of behavior intervention plans for assigned learners
- Provide consistent, individualized support to learners throughout the instructional day
- Assist learners in developing academic and daily living skills aligned with workforce readiness
- Maintain documentation related to learner progress, accommodations, and support plans
Collaboration & Professional Conduct
- Maintain positive, professional communication with learners, instructors, and staff
- Collaborate with teachers, support staff, and administrators to support classroom success
- Apply culturally responsive, anti-bias instructional practices
- Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and learner dignity at all times
Who You Are
You are a patient, dependable, and learner-centered professional who enjoys supporting adult learners in the classroom. You work well as part of a team, communicate effectively, and bring flexibility and empathy to your work. You are committed to equity, inclusion, and supporting learners with diverse academic and life experiences. You understand the importance of reinforcing instruction while creating a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Why Work for Academy of Hope
Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School is a mission-driven organization committed to equity, access, and opportunity through adult education. For nearly 40 years, AoH has supported adult learners across Washington, DC in earning high school credentials, building workforce-ready skills, and pursuing postsecondary pathways.
At AoH, Paraeducators:
- Play a vital role in supporting classroom instruction and learner success
- Work collaboratively with teachers and student support staff in a learner-centered environment
- Help create inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning spaces for adult learners
- Contribute to equity by reinforcing instruction and supporting learners with diverse needs
- Are part of a dedicated team advancing adult education across the District
Your work at AoH helps learners stay engaged, build confidence, and access the support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Candidates with a high school diploma must have successfully passed the ETS ParaProfessional Assessment
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage adult learners
- Ability to work effectively with diverse learners, including those with disabilities
- Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and learner success
Preferred

Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or completion of at least 48 college credit hours
- Prior experience in education, adult learning, workforce training, or a related setting
- Experience supporting learners with disabilities or special learning needs
- Strong cultural competence and ability to work with diverse adult populations
- Experience working collaboratively with teachers, volunteers, or support staff
Total Rewards & Benefits
Academy of Hope offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support employee well-being, stability, and professional growth, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Employer-sponsored retirement plan (403(b))
- Generous paid time off, including personal leave, sick leave, and paid holidays
- Paid winter and spring breaks, aligned with the academic calendar
- Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and role-related learning
- Hybrid work model (telework and on-site), based on role responsibilities and operational needs

About Academy of Hope Adult PCS

Academy of Hope's mission is to provide high quality education and services that change lives and improve our communities.

Academy of Hope was founded in 1985 by two teachers who believed that education could empower those most marginalized in Washington, D.C. It was clear that people trapped in the cycle of poverty lacked basic reading, writing and math skills, and they needed to acquire jobs that paid living wages.

Today, one in five adults in the district lacks a high school diploma, and one in three adults cannot read a newspaper or a map, much less complete a job application. The need for adult education programs is still great.

Academy of Hope is considered one of the most successful programs of its kind. Students become part of a learning community where everyone is valued, adds value and is both a teacher and a learner. Our curriculum is experiential and focuses on life skills, which means that students can immediately begin applying what they’re learning to their own lives—and reap the benefits.

We provide outstanding training for teachers, tutors and volunteers, which results in better understanding of adult-learner needs and creative approaches to helping them meet educational goals.

We offer a flexible schedule, providing classes in the mornings and evenings, because we know that adult learners juggle many family and work responsibilities.

We allow students to take as much time as they need to learn and integrate instructional material. Because we know that learning happens in the greater context of a person’s life, we provide supportive services to students so that they can focus on learning.

Industry

Government & Public Safety

Company Size

51-200 employees

Headquarters

Washington, District of Columbia

Year Founded

1985

Website

aohdc.org

Social Media