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Performance Academies

Manages tuition-free K-12 charter schools

Special Education Paraprofessional

Full-Time
No salary listed
Entry
Bachelor's
Columbus, OH, USA
In Person
EducationSpecial Education & Learning Support

About the job

Requirements
  • A GED or high school diploma is required.
  • A current educational aide license or certification is required.
  • A current BCI/FBI background check is required.
  • Proficiency in computer applications, including Google Docs, email, and internet applications, is required.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills are required.
  • Effective organizational and problem-solving skills are required.
  • The ability to maintain composure and perform responsibilities under pressure is required.
  • The ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others is required.
  • The ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others is required.
  • The ability to work with a diverse group of individuals is required.
  • The ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with assigned students is required.
  • The ability to operate a computer keyboard and mouse and handle other computer- and technology-related components is required.
  • The ability to lift up to 25 pounds, stand for extended periods, and move around the building is required.
Responsibilities
  • Support the instructional, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities under the direction of certified intervention specialists and general education teachers.
  • Assist in implementing individualized education programs and provide direct student support in various instructional settings.
  • Promote student independence and help ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment.
  • Collaborate with educators, specialists, and families to foster academic progress and positive student outcomes in accordance with district policies and special education regulations.
  • Supervise students in classrooms, the school building, lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, hallways, and other non-instructional areas.
  • Attend IAT and IEP meetings as requested in relation to students' instructional and behavioral goals.
  • Escort students to and from school buses and cars.
  • Report behavior infractions, safety concerns, injuries, and other student-related issues to teachers or the principal.
  • Guide students to reinforce the school's curriculum.
  • Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
  • Assist with classroom preparation and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
  • Maintain records documenting student learning and performance.
  • Assist with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, maintain a safe and orderly classroom, and keep students on task.
  • Accompany students on field trips to assist with supervision.
  • Assist teachers with parent contact as requested to foster parent involvement in student education.
  • Assist students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives.
  • Participate in the IEP process and serve as a resource for the IEP team as needed.
  • Follow applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing assistance for students, including students with disabilities or other special needs.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Work according to the school calendar from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily and follow the required school dress code.
Desired Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in Education is preferred.

About the company

Performance Academies operates a network of tuition-free public charter schools across Ohio (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton) serving K–12 students. A centralized non-profit governance and support team provides curriculum, teacher training, special education expertise, and administrative services to the campuses at scale. The Mind & Body program combines extended academic hours with a daily 1.4-hour fitness routine in activities like soccer, tennis, and martial arts, along with small class sizes and daily character education. Its High School Readiness Program helps 8th graders with high school applications and scholarships, reflecting its goal to offer a scalable, cost-free public education option in Ohio that prepares students for high school and beyond.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

N/A

Founded

2013

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • On June 22, 2026, Performance Academies announced Cincinnati Performance Academy, extending its footprint.
  • Eastland Performance Academy won State Board Momentum and Ohio Department of Education Quality School recognition.
  • The network still collects millions in Ohio foundation funding, including $5.34 million for Harvard Avenue.

What critics are saying

  • On September 4, 2026, Ohio flagged six Performance Academies schools for testing anomalies.
  • Eastland Performance Academy ranked bottom 50% statewide on September 16, 2026 public data.
  • A sustained integrity investigation can trigger sponsor sanctions, enrollment losses, and school closures.

What makes Performance Academies unique

  • Performance Academies runs 19 Ohio schools with tuition-free public enrollment and open access.
  • Its Mind Body model pairs daily fitness with extended academics across K-8 and high school.
  • Centralized operations, curriculum, and teacher training create scale across Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

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Life Insurance

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