Job Description

The job of Paraprofessional Signing Aide is done for the purpose/s of supporting students who use sign as a receptive/expressive tool to access the instructional program within an assigned classroom. Specific responsibilities may include assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of students, some of whom may have identified special education needs, in the general education classroom or in a self-contained special education classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Administers tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance, as needed, and as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs.
• Assists students who may be medically fragile or who have a physical disability for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene.
• Actively engages in meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, student behavioral plans designed by IEP team and/or intervention plans for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing concepts needed to be successful in the school environment.
• Maintains instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; data collection; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP and/or intervention plans; and ensuring students success in school.
• Translates verbal communication for the purpose of assisting students, teachers and parents in communicating effectively between voice to sign and sign to voice.
• Uses adapted classroom work/homework/assessment instruments under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing voice to sign and sign to voice support and/or reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Supplements the classroom environment with sign language.
• Signs with a student that is deemed to require same level of proficiency.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Language Skills: 1. Reads and comprehends simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Writes simple correspondence. Effectively presents information in one-on-one and small group situations.

Mathematical Skills: 1. Adds, subtracts, multiplies, and divides in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Computes rate, ratio, and percent and draws and interprets bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: 1. Applies understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Deals with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A high school diploma or GED.

Experience: Job-related experience preferred.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations: Educator License with Stipulations (PARA), Substitute (SUB), Professional Educator License (PEL), or Educator License with Stipulations (TBE).

Score of 80% or higher on the para signing assessment assessed by the teacher of the DHH.

Compensation and Benefits:(2026-2027 school year)

Minimum starting salary with a license (6.0 hours per day) - Step 1/$39,335.40

Benefits include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan
• Life insurance
• Long term disability
• Pet insurance
• Flexible benefits plan
• 10 Sick days
• 2 Personal days
• Paid holidays
• Direct deposit
• Employee assistance program

Information on obtaining a paraprofessional license can be found on the ISBE website - click here for link.

Application Procedure:

Apply online at www.district65.net

Selection Procedure:

Selected qualified candidates will be notified to schedule an interview.