Paraeducator

Under the supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher, assists the teacher in the education of students including management of student behavior; recordkeeping; instructional assistance; classroom safety, security and organization; and interaction and communication with students, support staff, parents/guardians, and agencies. Paraeducators work in special education programs with a variety of students who are in need of academic assistance and have learning, communication, and behavioral or emotional disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

- Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning material or skills introduced by the teacher.

- Guide independent, enrichment, and remedial work as assigned by the teacher.

- Help student master instructional materials assigned.

- Implement instructional activities that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful, authentic learning experiences. 

- Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of the students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.

- Monitor student progress in instructional programs and relate findings to supervising teacher.

- Monitor student during independent work or group activities.

- Monitor safety in a variety of settings.

- Implement behavioral management strategies.

- Collect behavioral data.

- Support students with personal care/health needs such as toileting/feeding.

- Support inclusion with non-disabled peers.

- Provide a positive environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.

- Prepare, operate, and care for needed materials, equipment, and supplies in the classroom for instructional purposes.

- Participate in appropriate staff development/meetings to ensure professional growth.

- Assist teacher with the supervision of students.

- Treat all students with dignity and respect.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

ABILITY TO:

- Physically assist students with specials needs as required (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining, etc.)

- Communicate effectively with students, other staff, and their parents.

- Use appropriate English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar.

- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

- Remain calm and rational while working with students and their parents.

- Maintain the confidentiality of information related to individual pupils, parents and other employees.

- Organize time in order to maintain the flow of the program.

- Work effectively under the direction of others.

- Work cooperatively with others.

- Set a good example in terms of punctuality, attendance and work ethic.

- Be proactive in matters relating to health and safety.

- Have willingness to assume other responsibilities appropriate for the position

- Use a computer, and common classroom equipment.

- Operate standard office equipment copier, fax machine, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- High school diploma or the equivalent.

- Two years of college credit, or an associate’s (or higher) degree, or progress toward degree preferred.

- Combination of training and experience which demonstrates ability to perform the duties and responsibilities as described, including previous experience working with groups of children; experience working with children with disabilities highly desirable.

- Knowledge of: Basic reading, writing, and math.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:

- Lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds, and may assist, move, or restrain students with greater weight when required to intervene in student safety issues.

- Required to sit, lift, carry, move about, hear and speak.

 ***We prioritize assembling a staff that reflects our student diversity. Spanish-speaking a plus. EOE***