License And Certification

Associate Educator (Bilingual Somali)

Under general supervision, assists students in school classrooms with educational programs and assignments, provides assistance to teachers as directed, and assists students with after-school and special education programs, and special events.

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

• Assists students with educational programs and special assignments; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties will vary according to job assignment.
• Assists MPS teachers and staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe and productive learning environment; works with students to reinforce classroom learning and improve personal skills; assists teachers with managing classroom, materials and student behavior.
• Assists students in learning processes; reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages socialization and good communications.
• Administers a variety of school programs, student services, community services, special assignments, and educational programs in support of MPS goals; including MPS program outreach & marketing, grant program oversight, bi-lingual & hearing-impaired translator/interpreter, student testing, after-school activities, recreation programs, media & technology, security, student behavior support, community relations, transportation, mentoring & tutoring, volunteers, attendance & truancy, English Language Learning, vocational training, accounting & budgets, and special events.
• Monitors and supervises student activities; promotes respect, supports diversity, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Assists students to achieve learning objectives with individual assistance and small group sessions.
• Monitors assigned students, and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files, and keeps records of student progress and activities; assures all required written reports are completed and submitted on a daily basis.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Communicates with parents, students and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.
• Provides general office and administrative support for assigned program.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis. At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

Minimum qualifications include completion of 90 quarter/60 semester college credits OR a passing score of 460 (or higher) on the Para Pro Assessment AND a high school diploma/GED certificate, and two (2) years of professional experience working with children; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

License and certification requirements may include a valid Minnesota State Driver's License, First Aid, CPR, and AED training, and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training.

Physical demands and working environment include moderate physical requirements, occasionally lifting file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently, walking or standing to a significant degree, long periods of working with computers, and working with children. Must be able to lift 40 pounds; may be required to physically restrain students if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.