Qualified Paraprofessional

Submitted: November 11
Closing: January 1

Job Title:

Highly Qualified Paraprofessional

Reports To:

Executive Director, Principal, Teacher and/or Special Education Teacher
Supervises:
None
Status:
Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Effective for the  School Year

Position Summary:

The Mission of Spero Academy is to provide an individualized and adaptive education to help students grow academically, emotionally, and socially. We are a nonprofit charter school that is devoted to educational programs for students with disabilities that foster a sense of respect, responsibility and community. We are looking for a Paraprofessional who is eager to work with elementary students who are on the autistic spectrum or who may have other social, emotional, and physical disabilities.

We are looking for someone who will support individualized learning programs to meet the unique needs of each student, while maintaining a high standard of academics and cultivating a sense of respect, responsibility and community.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• One of the following:
• At least two years of college credits (usually 60 credits if earned in Minnesota) through an accredited institution of higher education; or
• An associate’s degree or higher; or
• A passing score on an approved,
  * formal assessment (see below) demonstrating the knowledge and ability to assist with instruction in reading/language arts, writing, mathematics or readiness for each; or
• A completed Paraprofessional Competency Grid portfolio

* Paraprofessional Assessments
Two state-approved assessments are available through most regional educational service cooperatives and some school districts:

• The Para educator assessments require in Minnesota passing scores of 65% for the Instructional Support test and 70% for the Knowledge and Application test.
• The Para Pro assessment requires a combined Minnesota passing score of 460.

What You Will Need:

• Ability to achieve and maintain the status of “not disqualified” upon completion of criminal background checks
• Must earn
  * PCA Certification within your first two weeks of employment
• Must Earn
  * CPI Certification within your your first six months of employment
• * Spero Academy will provide training materials and provide paid time for completion of these certifications in a timely manner. If you are already certified you will need to submit valid proof.

What You Will Do:

• Work with students in small groups or in prescribed one-to-one assignments to implement, reinforce, or follow up learning activities in basic academic, language, and/or specialized subject areas related to the level of achievement; under direction of teacher; provide individualized instruction by matching instruction to needs of each learner.
• Assist the teacher in establishing and maintaining a clean, safe, and cooperative classroom and learning environment.
• Assist in organizing the learning environment; prepare and set up instructional materials and/or equipment for use in classroom activities; maintain instructional material and equipment.
• Assist in the supervision of students during lunch, recess, van loading/unloading etc. and accompany students to and from school van or other transportation, and in moving to and from activities on school site.
• Assist in managing volatile students physically as needed according to approved C.P.I. (Crisis Prevention Intervention Training) techniques.
• Assist in the implementation of assigned sections of the students Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and behavior intervention plans (BIP) which may involve use of approved behavior modification, physical management techniques or other skills or knowledge to establish and maintain appropriate behaviors.
• Perform routine clerical tasks as assigned; operate copy & laminating machines;…