Paraeducator

Para-Educator Position

The para-educator is a vital member of a team that provides a quality education to all students, especially those students identified with an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Organizational Relationship:

Special education teachers are responsible for the overall training and supervision of the para-educator staff. During service in the classroom the para-educator will also support the classroom teacher. In addition, para-educators will work cooperatively with all other school personnel, and adhere to school guidelines and standards. The para-educator will be evaluated at least annually by the school building administrator, with input from the classroom, special areas, and special education teachers.

Position qualifications:

The para-educator must possess a basic understanding of children's emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs. There must also be a willingness to openly take direction and guidance, and to communicate with staff, students, and community members. The para-educator should have a high school degree, the equivalent thereof, or a higher degree. Also, the para-educator must possess adequate knowledge of relevant skills or the potential to be appropriately trained for such skills.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Supports identified students as indicated on the IEP.
2. Works with small groups or individuals under the direction of the special education or classroom teacher in all subject areas.
3. Performs other reasonable duties as needed, including:
1. assists students (both regular and special education) in ways that will allow them to successfully participate in classroom activities, which in some cases includes activities of daily living (physical support/lifting, toileting, feeding)
2. provides reinforcement and/or practice of skills as recommended by members of the IEP team (i.e.: OT, PT, SLP)
3. collects data relevant to the IEP
4. implements student behavior plans
5. promotes an appropriate amount of independence
4. Consults regularly with special education and classroom teachers regarding the IEP and its relationship to curriculum, assessment, and instruction.
5. Respects confidentiality of all information pertaining to students.
6. Adheres to all appropriately assigned schedule(s), including para-educator duty schedules and student schedules.
7. Maintains positive working relationships with staff, community, and students.
8. Accepts changes in schedule or assignments in a flexible manner.
9. Supervises an entire classroom on occasion. Uphold classroom/school discipline policies in order to provide a consistent learning environment.
10. Participates in school-wide staff meetings, informal meetings with building administration, and meetings with the IEP team members as requested.
11. Practices professional and ethical conduct, including: being punctual, being prepared in order to provide a positive and consistent learning environment for students.
12. Performs clerical duties as they relate to supporting student programs.