Paraprofessional

This position qualifies for a signing bonus up to $1,000

The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan’s education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.

We are currently seeking a Paraprofessional at Portage Lake Center Elementary in Portage, MI. The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

• Align services with KRESA Core Values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity) and Culture & Belonging principles to engage and serve all students
• Knowledge of subject matter, students’ needs, and building/program policies
• Assists with managing difficult behaviors through de-escalation strategies or team restraint when students are in crisis and in danger of hurting themselves, others, or property
• Collect data and progress monitor student’s academicinterventionsand behavior objectives
• Leads and manages student classroom activities outside of classroom instruction
• Assistsin instruction of students as designed by the teacher
• Provides feedback andmonitorsthe classroom when students are working
• Performs classroom maintenance(cleaning, sanitizing, preparing, fixing) as required
• Assists with organization of daily classroom schedule and events calendar
• Implements rules of student conduct through PBIS and specific program expectations
• Maintains order in classroomand effectively disciplines students through classroom procedures and protocols
• Assists students with problem solving when adjustment and academicneedsarise
• Keeps attendance,student records, anecdotal observations, evaluations as required by schooland teacher
• Regular and consistent attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Other skills and abilities include:

• Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to our core values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity), Culture & Belonging, and Continuous Improvement
• Embraces and supports KRESA’s vision of a transformative,equitable and innovative education for all in the Greater Kalamazoo region
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of identities and lived experiences
• Ability to discuss differences with colleagues and clients in a manner that supports building positive working relationships
• Develop andmaintainrelational capacity with staff and students
• Ability to communicate and work among a teamof colleagues
• Embraces a teamwork attitude
• Ability to be flexible and be open minded
• Be an empathic listener
• Contribute in a positive way to the environment
• Organized and able to plan ahead
• Show adaptability to frequent changes in the work environment
• Practices safe work habits
• Uses equipment and material properly
• Displays reliable attendance and promptness
• Abilityresolveproblems
• Utilizes effective instructional practices to motivate and engage students in learning
• Maintains confidentiality

This is an 10-month calendar position in job grade 12 with an hourly rate of pay between $17.93 and $21.98.

Placement on the paraprofessional pay scale is determined by verified years of service and demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities, and education as outlined in the Paraprofessional Career Pathway.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan’s Office of Retirement…