Building Paraprofessional

Building Paraprofessional

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers’ historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Position Summary

The Building Paraprofessional supports the instructional program by assisting certificated staff in planning, coordinating, and implementing instructional and student support activities. Under the direct supervision of a certified teacher or administrator, the paraprofessional helps maintain a positive, structured, and inclusive learning environment that supports students’ academic, social-emotional, and developmental growth in alignment with school and district goals.

Reports To: Building Principal

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support to students through small-group and individual assistance under the direction and supervision of a certificated teacher, aligned to lesson objectives.
• Assist with the preparation, organization, and implementation of instructional materials, classroom activities, and daily routines.
• Reinforce instructional goals, accommodations, and modifications; support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans under the guidance of certified staff.
• Support students in developing academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and functional life skills appropriate to individual needs.
• Assist with data collection, progress monitoring, and documentation as directed by the teacher or specialist.
• Utilize district-approved technology to support instruction, engagement, and required record-keeping.
• Supervise students in classrooms and school settings (e.g., hallways, cafeteria, recess) to ensure safety and promote a positive, inclusive environment.
• May provide short-term supervision of students only in accordance with Missouri DESE substitute certification requirements and district policy; paraprofessionals may not serve as the teacher of record.
• Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and school staff to support student success; communicate with families as directed by certified staff or administration.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and program planning as assigned.
• Interpretation Duties (if assigned): Provide oral interpretation and/or written translation (English/Spanish) during school-related meetings (e.g., parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, assessments) in accordance with district procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and staff information in compliance with FERPA and district policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency in English; bilingual (English/Spanish) required for positions with interpretation responsibilities.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment in a school setting.
• Ability to work effectively with students, staff, and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Basic knowledge of instructional support strategies, behavior management, and student engagement practices.
• Ability to use or quickly learn district-approved instructional technology systems.

Education & Certification Requirements

• Must meet Missouri DESE paraprofessional requirements, including one of the following:
  • Completion of at least 60 college credit hours, OR
  • Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher, OR
  • Successful completion of the Missouri Paraprofessional Assessment (or an approved substitute).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Prior experience working in a school setting, particularly in an urban or high-needs environment.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities, multilingual learners, or diverse academic needs.
• Experience providing interpretation or translation services in an educational setting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds and assist students with mobility or physical needs.
• Ability to bend, kneel, sit on the floor, push, and pull as necessary to support students.
• Ability to perform computer-based tasks for documentation and communication.
• Ability to move throughout all areas of the school and campus.

Application Process:

Please complete an online application at https://www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs.
Attach your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and certification (if applicable).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forward complaints or participate in investigations of discrimination.