Special Education Paraprofessional

Position:
Classroom Paraprofessional

Employed By: GECS

Reports to: Assigned Teacher/Respective Dean of Academics

Duty Year: School Year,Academic Year

Job Summary:

The Paraprofessional is responsible for assisting the teacher in providing a safe, stimulating, and nurturing classroom environment for all students.

Description of Duties:

Student Academic Achievement

• Support and assist the classroom teacher in implementing the goals and objectives of the Academy's curriculum and philosophy

• Willingly lead classroom activities as directed by the classroom teacher

• Assist the classroom teacher in creating smooth transitions from one activity to another

• Assist the classroom teacher in the preparation of materials and activities for the classroom

Classroom Management

• Execute appropriate and positive discipline strategies in the classroom when directed by the classroom teacher

• Assist in the supervision of students during lunch, recess, when students are entering or leaving buses or while otherwise on Academy premises, including duty with extended day before and/or after regular school hours within the duty day as directed by the classroom teacher or administrator

• Apply Academy and classroom rules consistently and effectively

• Utilize positive and preventive discipline when directed by the classroom teacher

• Motivate and engage students

• Communicate expectations to students clearly

• Establish and maintain a positive classroom environment and school community conducive to learning

• Manage emergency situations confidently and calmly

• Supervise students within the Academy setting and on Academy grounds

Professional Relationships

• Strive to meet the individual needs of the whole child in each area of development including their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs

• Motivate students to perform well and respond promptly to student needs

• Maintain a positive relationship with the students, classroom teacher, colleagues, administration, and staff

• Inspire respect and trust

• Maintain a positive attitude; follow instructions; respond to management direction; request support as needed

Commitment

• Demonstrate commitment to the organization

• Adhere to Academy policies and procedures

• Meet attendance and punctuality guidelines

• Demonstrate commitment to quality

• Contribute personal skills, talent and experiences to enhance the classroom

• Communicate effectively with classroom teacher, parents and other staff members

• Maintain the tidiness of the classroom and workspace

Accountability

• Meet set objectives

• Meet commitments, especially when they impact others

• Take responsibility for own actions

• Require minimum supervision and direction

• Identify problems promptly and offer alternative solutions

• Use resources efficiently and effectively

• Communicate to the classroom teacher any and all areas of concern regarding students; escalate to the Dean of Academics or Executive Director if necessary

Qualifications:

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment:

o Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or

o Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate

• Must have experience with students

• Criminal records clearance

Physical Demands & Work Environment

In order to successfully perform the essential duties of this job, the employee would ideally be able to meet the following physical demands:

• Occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Stand and walk frequently.

• Withstand all demands presented by outside weather conditions at any time of the year.

• Withstand a moderate noise level.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.