How Does the Applicant Portal Work?

USD 437 is now using Applicant Portal to manage all job applications. You will see five (5) tabs when you open the Applicant Portal: Home, Job Search, My Saved Jobs, Application History, and My Resume. You will need to create a Username and Password to access all of the tabs except Job Search. If you are just looking to see what is available and are not sure if you want to create an account just yet; feel free to look over our current openings under the Job Search tab.

How Do I Create An Account?

If you have not created a username and password yet click on the Sign Up link at the login screen. This will bring you to a screen asking for personal information and some of our universal application question. Any question that has a vertical red line ( | ) at the end of it is required. Once you have finished answering all of the questions click on submit at the bottom of the screen.

What If I Forget My Password?

If you forget your Password you will need to select the Forget your Password link at the sign in page. Please do not call USD 437 because we do not have the ability to look up your Username or Password.

How Do I Apply For A Job?

If you would like to apply for a position go to the Job Search tab and find the job(s) you are interested in. Click on the job you wish to apply for. Near the top of the screen you may choose to send the job description to a friend, save the description in your profile, or apply now. If you choose to apply now and you have not yet signed in you will be directed to the sign in screen. Once you are logged in you will need to fill out the job specific application and submit it.

How do I know if my application has been received?

If your application has been received you will receive an automatic e-mail reply. If you don't receive an e-mail notifying you that your application has been successfully submitted you will need to go back in and re-attach the job and answer the questions again.

Why didn't you receive my application?

The system times out after 30 minutes. The resume portion of the application will be saved, but your answers to the job questions will be lost.

Helpful hint:

If the job has questions that require paragraphs of 250 words or less you can type your answers into Word and then cut and paste them into the application so you don't time out. This is also helpful if you are placing an application for more than one position.

What is a paraeducator?

Generally speaking, a paraeducator (or para) is an adult employee that helps our Special Education teachers work with students who have special learning needs. To better understand this position, please refer to the Classified Job Descriptions available on the Human Resources page of this website.

How many paraeducators work in the school district?

There are approximately 170 paraeducators in USD #437 who work with pre-K through 12th grade students.

Are there any the requirements to be a paraeducator?

Yes. To be considered for a paraeducator position in USD #437, You must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma (or equivalent), and have an application on file with the Human Resources Department (applications are available at our website, www.usd437.net). Para-educators are also required to be "highly qualified" if employed at Pauline South Intermediate and Pauline Central Primary Schools (which are identified as Title I schools) as mandated by the No Child Left Behind legislative act. An Associates Degree (or higher) from an accredited institution, or a minimum of 48 college hours meets the NCLB "Highly Qualified" criteria. Another method of attaining "Highly Qualified" status is by passing the Para-Pro Assessment, the Para-Educator Assessment (the KSDE Audit Guide refers to this as Paraeducator by Master Teacher), or the Work Keys Assessment. These are the only assessments recognized by the state of Kansas for "Highly Qualified" status. USD #437 is particularly interested in employing people that are willing to assist us in providing services to students that have wide range of special needs.

If I don't have an Associates Degree, or 48 college hours, how do I go about taking one of these tests?

If you are under consideration for a position, you may be asked to take the test prior to any official job offer. You may also be asked to take the test following your employment, based on the specific paraeducator position listed. An appointment is scheduled with the Paraeducator Facilitator who monitors the test and provides the feedback to the individual.

Which test would I be taking and what do I need to know?

Please refer to the third question above. Basically, the computer based tests are designed to evaluate the knowledge and instructional ability of paraeducators to assist in reading, writing, and mathematics instruction. The tests are made up of multi-choice questions and normally take about an hour and a half complete. If an individual fails the test, it can be taken over. A pre-test study program is also required before taking the PEL Assessment. The test is scheduled with the Paraeducator Facilitator and is taken at the Shuler Education Center.

What does this test cost?

There is no cost to take the test.

What if I passed a similar test in another state, will their certificate count?

Only the tests designated by the state of Kansas are accepted. School officials may elect to review a test passed in another state on a case by case basis.

Will I be subject to a criminal background check?

Yes.

Will I be subject to a Department of Motor Vehicle check?

If your job requires you to transport a student in a district vehicle you will also be subject to a Department of Motor Vehicle check.

If I apply for a paraeducator job, do I automatically get an interview?

USD #437 is an Equal Opportunity employer. We encourage anyone that meets the requirements for a paraeducator to fill out an application. The directors, supervisors, and building principals review these applications throughout the year, and have the discretion to select and schedule interviews based on each candidate's qualifications for the position advertised.

Why does Special Education employ so many paraeducators?

The Special Education department regularly identifies students for special learning needs. Approximately 20% of all the students in USD #437 have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which qualifies them for special education services. The IEP document outlines any special accommodations and educational needs for each student, which may include paraeducator assistance. In many cases, paraeducators are assigned as assistants to Special Education teachers and help instruct a variety of subjects and special needs students.

How many hours would a paraeducator work each day, or each week throughout the year?

Para-educators normally work 35-38 hours a week. There are 36 weeks, or nine months in a typical school year.