Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional Dedicated To Reading And Math Support

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Essential Job Functions:

• Enhance Individualized Instruction: targeted small group or one-on-one instruction, allowing for more personalized and focused teaching strategies that address each student's unique needs in reading and math.
• Support Classroom Teachers: With the additional help, classroom teachers can better manage their instructional time and resources, ensuring that all students receive the attention and support they need to succeed.
• Improve Student Outcomes: Research consistently shows that early and targeted interventions in reading and math are crucial for academic success. A paraprofessional can help bridge the gap for students who are struggling, ultimately leading to improved performance on assessments and a stronger foundation for future learning.
• Foster a Positive Learning Environment: By addressing the academic challenges faced by some students, we can reduce frustration and behavioral issues, thereby creating a more positive and conducive learning environment for all students.

- Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.

- Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.

- Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.

- Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.

- Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.

- Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.

- Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.

- Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties:

• - Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• - Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment - Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements - Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students. Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel). Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others. Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work. Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required. Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards - Works in standard office and school building environments. Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile - Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• - High School diploma or equivalent.
• - Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
• - Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt