Paraeducator

Job Title

Para educator, Department of Special Services

Director of Special Services in collaboration with the Building Principals

To assist in providing an educationally motivating environment where students are encouraged to learn. To work as a part of an inclusionary team along with teachers and related service personnel in assisting in the design, implementation, and evaluation of program activities to ensure high levels of learning and performance by identified students. To work within the guidelines of the school district, state, and federal statutes, regulations, and policies.

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

Must possess a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

In addition, candidates must meet one of the following Connecticut para educator qualification requirements:

• Successfully complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (generally 60 semester credit hours); or
• Earn an Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution; or
• Achieve a passing score on the State Board of Education-approved para educator assessment (currently the ETS Para Pro Assessment).

Must be able to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

Must be able to write simple correspondence.

Must be able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students, parents, certified and non-certified staff, and the school community.

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Must be able to apply complex concepts such as figuring rates, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Must possess a working knowledge of algebra and geometry.

Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Must be able to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

• Assisting with small group and one-on-one instruction
• Assisting the teacher with the daily functions of the class.
• Monitoring class during non-academic times.
• Assisting with assessment and intervention strategies.
• Other duties as deemed appropriate by the administration.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position may require the employee to occasionally crouch, kneel, or sit at floor level. The employee may need to lift alone up to forty (40) pounds, and individually push or pull up to one hundred (100) pounds. The position is exposed to medical infections and injuries and is at greater risk than the average staff person.

The performance responsibilities are divided into six major areas. They apply equally to all preschool – 12th-grade instructional settings, including community-based programs that include students with developmental, physical, sensory, and social/emotional disabilities and those who are medically fragile. The para educator assignments designated by the Director of Special Services may focus on any combination of the outlined responsibilities and duties and may vary during the school year to match the needs of the students and the school system.

• Participates in team meetings as scheduled.
• Respects the views and contributions of the team members.
• Contributes relevant information to facilitate planning, problem-solving,…