RI Academic Paraprofessional

Overview

The role of a Paraprofessional at Achievement First invites passionate educators to apply for a full‑time position focused on behavior support and classroom assistance. The Paraprofessional works closely with teachers, administrators, and the dean of school culture to create behavior systems, protocols, and growth plans for students. This role requires strong classroom management skills and a commitment to student success and character development.

• Develop and maintain a behavior system that supports students who have been temporarily removed from their classes due to poor behavior, following protocols established by the school’s leadership team (e.g., bring students to a quiet room, monitor them as they work, call parents, document behavior, escort students back to class).
• Create and maintain growth plans and tracking charts for individual students who need special attention, in partnership with the principal.
• Build rapport with students who need behavioral support, checking in daily and writing notes to parents providing updates.
• Provide administrative support at critical times of the day, such as breakfast, lunch and dismissal.
• Attend all professional development sessions and staff meetings.
• Assist the dean of school culture with related work as required.
• Invest parents and families in their children’s academic success through regular communication of successes and challenges.
• Reflect on successes and areas of growth across all areas of teaching; seek to improve performance and receive feedback eagerly.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a rigorous, joyful and safe environment.
• Assume responsibility for every scholar’s success by holding all students accountable during transitions, meals, trips and other school activities.

• Strong instructional and classroom management skills.
• Unyielding commitment to students, self and school’s constant learning and development.
• Relentlessness – doing whatever it takes to ensure success.
• Team player.
• Highly organized.
• Belief in Achievement First’s mission, educational model, REACH, and Core Values.
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and "roll‑up‑my‑sleeves" attitude.

• Must have prior to hiring:
  • High School Diploma and passing score on the Para Pro Exam
  • 60 earned college credits, AA or BA degree
• Required, but can be obtained within the first 30 days of employment:
  • RIDE Teaching Assistant Training Certificate

• Hourly rate: $20.86.
• Full‑time employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match, and paid family leave.

Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. It is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. Achievement First complies with applicable federal, state and local non‑discrimination laws and offers reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures.