Special Education Paraprofessional

Position Summary:

Informed by the school’s mission, Special Education Paraprofessionals will ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills required for academic progress and achievement, as defined by curricular and instructional objectives and overarching school goals. Special Education Paraprofessionals provide instructional assistance and support for diverse learners under the professional guidance and supervision of the diverse learner teachers and case managers. They work with students individually or in small groups, providing instructional, assessment, emotional, and behavioral support appropriate to each student’s Individualized Education Program and demonstrated needs, and may work with students inside and outside of the regular classroom.

Paraprofessionals are responsible for reflecting the mission and guiding principles of the school, upholding the rules and standards of the Student Code of Conduct, and building positive and collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and other members of the school community with transparency and accountability to best ensure student academic and personal achievement.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Facilitate and promote equity, a positive school environment and advocacy of students that aligns with the organization's mission and values. Collaborate with colleagues and school leaders to strengthen support structures intended to promote access and equity to meet the needs of all students. Demonstrate respect and regard for students, colleagues, and parents.

Participate positively and productively in team, department, school, network, and parent meetings. Arrive on-time to assignments. Take initiative to provide needed supports. Attend school and network professional learning and collaboration days to improve skills, give and receive feedback, and be open to coaching, mentoring, and partnerships. Promptly return phone calls and answer emails within 24‑48 weekday hours. Assist with maintaining student records, including using any technology employed by the school.

Observe students’ performance and development and report observations as requested. Follow school and network policies and protocols.

Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds. Support the creation of inclusive, identity‑affirming spaces for students. Implement professional practice and responsibilities, demonstrating cultural competence. Implement D.E.I. principles in interactions with members of the school community.

Provide assistance to teachers to offer services to students with a host of disabilities, including, but not limited to, learning disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, emotional‑behavioral disorders, mental health concerns, and physical disabilities. Provide instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) to reinforce instructional objectives; implement IEP plans/accommodations/supports, and ensure student success in school under the supervision of the assigned teacher.

Attend IEP meetings when requested. Use strategies that promote students’ independence for learning. Reinforce reading, writing, mathematical ideas and concepts, and other such skills presented by the classroom teacher. Assist in the review and evaluation of students’ work, as requested. Contribute to progress monitoring and collect data, as requested by the case manager or teacher. Contribute to the smooth functioning of the classroom environment.

Provide assessment assistance to students, individually and in small groups. Monitor students during assigned periods…