Paraeducator TK

Para educator

Under the supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher, assists the teacher in the education of students including management of student behavior; recordkeeping; instructional assistance; classroom safety, security and organization; and interaction and communication with students, support staff, parents/guardians, and agencies. Paraeducators work in special education programs with a variety of TK-8 students who are in need of academic assistance and have learning, communication, and behavioral or emotional disabilities.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Work with individual TK-8 students or small groups to reinforce learning material or skills introduced by the teacher.
• Guide independent, enrichment, and remedial work as assigned by the teacher.
• Help student master instructional materials assigned.
• Implement instructional activities that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful, authentic learning experiences.
• Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of the students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs.
• Monitor student progress in instructional programs and relate findings to supervising teacher.
• Monitor student during independent work or group activities.
• Monitor safety in a variety of settings.
• Implement behavioral management strategies.
• Collect behavioral data.
• Support students with personal care/health needs such as toileting/feeding.
• Support inclusion with non-disabled peers.
• Provide a positive environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
• Prepare, operate, and care for needed materials, equipment, and supplies in the classroom for instructional purposes.
• Participate in appropriate staff development/meetings to ensure professional growth.
• Assist teacher with the supervision of students.
• Treat all students with dignity and respect.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Ability to:

• Physically assist students with special needs as required (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining, etc.)
• Communicate effectively with students, other staff, and their parents.
• Use appropriate English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Remain calm and rational while working with students and their parents.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information related to individual pupils, parents and other employees.
• Organize time in order to maintain the flow of the program.
• Work effectively under the direction of others.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Set a good example in terms of punctuality, attendance and work ethic.
• Be proactive in matters relating to health and safety.
• Have willingness to assume other responsibilities appropriate for the position
• Use a computer, and common classroom equipment.
• Operate standard office equipment copier, fax machine, etc.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or the equivalent.
• Two years of college credit, or an associate's (or higher) degree, or progress toward degree preferred.
• Combination of training and experience which demonstrates ability to perform the duties and responsibilities as described, including previous experience working with groups of children; experience working with children with disabilities highly desirable at the TK-8 level.
• Knowledge of:
  Basic reading, writing, and math.
• *** We prioritize assembling a staff that reflects our student diversity. Spanish-speaking a plus. EOE***