Instructional Paraprofessional

Job Description

Purpose of

Position Summary:

Instructional paraprofessionals offer invaluable assistance to students, addressing their physical, academic, and socio-emotional requirements in a positive manner. They play a crucial role in supporting classroom instruction by engaging with students individually or in small groups, as directed by the classroom teacher. Their scope of assistance encompasses various educational domains, including but not limited to reading, writing, mathematics, and other instructional activities as guided by teacher directives.

Demonstrating flexibility, patience, and a sincere concern for students, paraprofessionals collaborate closely with both teachers and students to deliver essential support within the classroom and throughout the educational landscape.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

● Classroom Assistance:
Collaborate with teachers to support instructional activities, including preparing materials, organizing learning resources, and setting up equipment for lessons.

● Student Support:
Provide one-on-one or small group assistance to students who require additional academic support, including tutoring, reinforcing concepts, and assisting with assignments.

● Utility Needs:
Be capable of physically assisting students with special needs as required in some possible assignments (positioning, lifting, transferring, escorting,restraining, bath rooming, etc.)

● Nursing Support:
Perform health related student needs as trained by the nurse.

● Crisis Prevention Intervention:
Be a part of the crisis team for the classroom and building to support appropriate Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI).

● Data Collection:
Assist classroom teachers with maintaining student records including data collection methods

● Behavior Management:
Assist in maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom environment by implementing behavior management strategies and promoting respectful interactions among students.

● Learning Support:
Aid students with special needs or learning disabilities by implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and providing necessary accommodations and modifications.

● Language Support:
Provide language support and scaffolding to multilingual learners to assist with comprehension and access to grade level content/standards and implement individual learning plans (ILPs) and provide necessary accommodations and modifications based on the student's proficiency level.

● Parent Communication:
Able to effectively communicate with parents during parent/teacher conferences as needed and/or able to interpret as needed

● Assessment Assistance:
Assist teachers in administering assessments, including quizzes, tests, and exams, and help with grading and recording students' performance.

● Communication:
Maintain open and effective communication with teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians regarding students' progress, behavior, and any concerns or issues that may arise.

● Administrative Tasks:
Assist with various administrative duties, such as record-keeping, filing, and organizing educational materials, to ensure efficient classroom operations.

● Professional Development:
Participate in training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to educational practices and student support.

● Any other duties as assigned to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our organization's values.

Minimum Qualifications:

● Possess minimum 60 college credits or pass the Para Pro Assessment

● Working towards a teaching degree desirable

● Instructional experience or willingness to learn English as a Second Language (ESL/ENL) best practices and understand second language acquisition

● Bi-lingual (preferably) and understanding of various cultures

● Ability to work with computers and computer software

● Ability to work with a multitude of teachers and students including but not limited to LDP/ENL/ESL, reading Interventionist, special education, and general education

● Previous experience working with children or in an educational setting is highly desirable

Experience with special education and/or diverse student populations

● Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and empathy are essential

● Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

● Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

● Basic computer skills