Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional

Portland Public Schools is accepting applications for paraeducator positions. Online Application Procedure: visit No paper copies Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Goals: To assist the teacher to achieve teaching objectives by working with individual students or small groups to help them achieve appropriate skill levels as determined by the teacher and/or IEP. To assist in providing a well-organized, smooth functioning class environment in which students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials.

Reports To: Teacher / Building Principal / Director of Student Services

Qualifications

1. Minimum High School Diploma 2. Ability to follow teacher direction and written plans to meet individual needs of children.

3. Demonstrate ability to meet and work effectively with students, staff, parents and community in a professional and courteous manner.

4. Ability to maintain student confidentiality.

5. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

6. Prior work with young adults and/or young children preferred.

Performance/Responsibilities

1. Assist teacher with building and maintaining effective instructional teams.

• Follow teacher instructions and carry out team decisions.
• Interact constructively with and demonstrate respect for learners, families and other school personnel.
• Contribute relevant objective information to teachers to facilitate planning, problem solving and decision making.
• Assist teacher with activities that engage children in learning experiences.

2. Assist teacher with maintaining learner-centered supportive environments.

• Implement proactive behavior and learning strategies developed by teacher that maintains supportive learning environments.
• Follow and use prescribed district policies, procedures and methods for managing learner behaviors that are disruptive and/or aggressive to ensure the safety, health and well-being of learners and staff.

3. Support teacher with planning and organizing learning experiences.

• Use copy machines, computers and other equipment to prepare learning materials and resources.
• Provide support in data entry (collection) and record keeping.
• Assist teacher with modifying learning materials and activities to meet the needs of individuals with different ability levels, learning styles or language backgrounds as directed.

4. Assist teacher with engaging students in learning and assisting in instruction.

• Develop and maintain effective interactions with all learners.
• Carry out teacher developed behavioral strategies and procedures that facilitate the learning of children with challenging behaviors.
• Assist student with activities as designed and identified by physical and occupational therapists and speech language pathologists as directed.
• Monitor and assist children in other learning environments (e.g., library, computer lab, lunchroom, playground, and busses).

5. Assist teacher with assessing learner needs, progress and achievement.

• Assist in data collection as designed by certified professional.
• Use functional (informal) assessment instruments developed by teacher to document and maintain data on learner behaviors and performance and to objectively report the results.
• Assist with student modifications for standardized tests based on a state/district policies (e.g., Connecticut Mastery Test).
• Assist teacher in maintaining learner records as required by the district/state.

6. Meet standards of professional or ethical conduct.

• Perform assigned tasks under the supervision of teacher in a manner consistent with professional and ethical guidelines established by the state or district.
• Understand district and/or state and local laws, policies and procedures for identifying signs/characteristics of and reporting suspected physical, sexual and psychological child abuse.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to diversity and individual differences among learners, their families and school personnel.
• Willingness to participate in professional and career development opportunities. October 31, 2016 Reviewed by BOE November 15, 2016