Special Education Paraprofessional

POSITION OBJECTIVE

To serve as a paraprofessional in a special education classroom administering teacher and/or therapist’s developed lessons to students with special needs in both individual and small group settings. Data collection, documenting student progress, and other classroom clerical and/or organizational tasks are required.

• Carry out teacher-developed lesson plans.
• Carry out teacher-developed Individualized Educational Programs in certain areas of the curriculum.
• Keep accurate daily data for individual lessons.
• Carry out teacher-developed behavior management plans.
• Assist in selecting, making, and organizing materials.
• Keep teaching areas neat and organized.
• Attend appropriate training sessions, workshops, and conferences whenever appropriate.
• Be familiar with and carry out responsibilities and duties as indicated in The Joseph Sams School Staff Handbook.
• Attend monthly general staff meetings and program-level meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Instructional Support Teacher or Principal.

The ability to carry out lessons developed by the special education teacher and/or therapist is required. The ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision is essential. Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are also required. Attention to detail and the ability to keep and monitor student progress through data collection are essential.

Special education paraprofessionals must have the emotional maturity to work with students who have special needs. Patience, dependability, organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to multi-task are critical attributes. Basic English and math skills are essential to assist students with assignments. Special education paraprofessionals must maintain confidentiality around information about students at all times. The ability to circulate among people of various backgrounds and roles is essential, as this position will regularly interface with administrators, teachers, fellow paraprofessionals, students, and parents.

A high school degree, or the equivalent, is required; some college is preferred. Experience working with children with disabilities and working is also preferred.

A paraprofessional will teach and administer lessons developed by an IST (Instructional Support Teacher) in a variety of locations both inside and outside of the school environment, including the classroom, lunchroom, playground, PE/gross motor room, etc., as well as in community venues such as grocery stores, local businesses, and public facilities such as libraries, parks, etc. May be required to assist in transferring and lifting students and able to lift at least 50 pounds.

Other physical demands may include crouching, stooping, kneeling, bending, carrying, pushing, and pulling.