Instructional Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional: Special Education

Position Title: Paraprofessional: Special Education

Qualifications

1. Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Stipulations: Paraprofessional (PLS- Paraprofessional) 2. Related experience to performance responsibilities

3. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find acceptable

Reports To: Special Services Coordinator, AVAC Coordinator, or Director of Alternate School

Job Goal: To provide instructional assistance in an effort to facilitate the educational progress and growth of students in support of the department and JTHS.

Performance Responsibilities

PLANNING AND PREPARATION

• Monitor functioning of technology equipment/supportive devices and report concerns regarding equipment to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials including but not limited to visual aids, bulletin boards, or room displays.
• Keep accurate attendance records as directed.
• Collect, grade or correct student work as directed.
• Observe and record student health needs (e.g., food and liquid intake) when needed.
• Observe and record data related to student interactions, initiatives, etc.
• Maintain and organize student data files as directed.

SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

• Supervise and assist arrival and departure of students, by meeting buses or supervising entries, exits and grounds each day.
• Escort students to various settings throughout the building (from washroom and/or mainstreamed classes, passing periods, library, therapy sessions, etc.) as requested.
• Assist students in cleaning designated areas as assigned.
• Assist students in restrooms (supervise washroom breaks, changing diapers, changing briefs, clothing, or personal hygiene) as needed.
• Supervise students in various settings including during meals, P.E. activities or when otherwise requested.
• Model, prompt, and reinforce appropriate social behaviors.
• Facilitate appropriate social interaction among students.
• Assist in the follow through of planned behavior interventions.
• Provide physical proximity for students when needed.
• Transfer, lift, or position students as directed by appropriate professional personnel.
• Assist students in using wheelchair, stander, or other mobility devices when needed.
• Operate special equipment and/or systems as trained and directed in order to assist students with specific diagnoses (e.g. program computerized augmentative devices, braillers, etc.).
• Physical management of students.

INSTRUCTION

• Assist teachers with maintaining inclusive, learner-centered environments.
• Supervise guided or independent practice in classroom or community.
• Circulate, answering questions or providing assistance as requested.
• Prompt students in utilizing previously learned strategies to solve problems and gather information.
• Facilitate students' active participation in cooperative learning groups.
• Design educational material, instructional aides, and activities to support learning under the direction of classroom teacher.
• Under the direction of the teacher, review lessons, reinforce instructional concepts, and provide drill and practice opportunities with individuals or small groups of students.
• Take notes or scribe for students as directed.
• Assist students with life-skills based curriculum in school or community.
• Help students implement and self-manage organization skills.
• File, summarize, or otherwise organize student work.
• Support inclusion of students with disabilities into general education settings.
• Attend comprehensive planning team meetings when invited or directed to share information related to student progress, instructional, social or daily living needs.
• Assist students in using portable keyboards, computers or other devices under the direction of the teacher, speech pathologist, OT/PT, etc.
• Supervise or assist students using technology tools.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish a positive rapport with students, staff, and families.
• Consult or meet with teachers or other professionals as scheduled or directed.
• Participate in meetings by contributing information, ideas, and assistance related to student performance.
• Engage in positive solution finding steps to resolve areas of concern.
• Assist teachers in communication with families if and when directed.
• Consult with teacher or other direct supervisor about areas of concern.
• Request direction, instruction, or guidance for new or unfamiliar tasks.
• Refer questions from families or community to the appropriate channels.
• Respect the legal and human rights of students, their families and school staff.
• Communicate information to the appropriate personnel in a timely manner.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information about students, families, etc.
• Carry out assigned duties responsibly and in a timely manner.
• Be prompt and regular in attendance.
• Abide by school district/building policies, rules and team standards in all areas.
• Maintain your composure and emotional stability while working with students and staff.
• Work cooperatively with team members.
• Be flexible, willing to listen, experiment and make changes when needed.
• Participate in professional development and school improvement activities in order to maintain professional growth.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform physical tasks associated with job.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform activities that utilize the necessary technology tools available including web-based systems (e.g. check email, complete work orders, etc.).
• Interpret and translate if bilingual and when available.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or teacher.

Terms of Employment: Annual (10) month contract

Salary: Salary to be determined in accordance with the Paraprofessional Agreement.

Evaluation: Performance on job responsibilities will be evaluated annually by the supervisor in accordance with Board policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.