Paraeducator

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 and 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 special 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***