Paraeducator - Spanish

Para educator, Spanish

Assists one or more teachers in providing translation of curriculum (Spanish and English) and supervision of assigned students in a classroom setting. Provides instructional assistance to individuals or small groups of students.

Distinguishing Career Features:
The Para educator, Spanish provides instructional assistance and translation to English learners in general education classrooms where activities can be carried out by an incumbent who meets NCLB requirements, namely the passing of a competency assessment in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is the first and entry level in the career path for para educators. Advancement to levels I-II requires more advanced knowledge, skill, and ability to work with special student populations, or in specially recognized skill areas.

Paraeducators I-II are assigned to Special Education. Paraeducators II are found in areas providing continuous support to severely handicapped students. These positions typically have work assignments involving academic, therapeutic, behavioral, and medical dimensions. Advancement potential exists to higher levels of specialized instructional support which have unique titles, qualifications, and require certification or a license.

• Assists teacher with implementing lesson plans by providing English-to-Spanish translation that supports learning experiences for students. Assists with planning and setting up learning activities.
• Assists in reviewing or assessing students' native language performance; assists in testing of students. Assists teacher in monitoring classroom activities. Assists in maintaining classroom discipline by observing the activities of the students and maintaining order; these activities may be in or out of the classroom setting. Accompanies students going from one location to another. Observes, monitors, and controls behavior of students within approved procedures.
  
  Discusses behavior of students with instructional staff as necessary.
• May give individual and special instruction to assigned students. Responds to each student's particular needs and characteristics.
• Assists teacher with attendance recording. May contact parents concerning student's attendance.
• Reports to the teacher any signs of illness or distress observed in the students. Aids in dealing with the situation, as appropriate.
• Confers, as needed, with teachers concerning student needs. Alerts teacher to any special problems or information concerning students. Assists teachers and resource staff to develop and evaluate individual and group educational goals and objectives. Participates in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
• Assists and guides students by providing appropriate role modeling, emotional support, patience, and a friendly and engaging attitude. Must observe confidentiality. Must be discrete in responding to student behaviors and educational needs whenever possible.
• Assists in maintaining a neat and orderly learning environment that supports learning. Performs a variety of classroom and program related clerical services such as maintaining charts and records, scoring and recording tests, preparing and storing instructional materials and equipment, copying instructional materials, operating office machines, including computer, copier and other audio-visual equipment. Assembles bulletin boards and other displays; arranges classroom for planned activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

• Education and Experience:
  
  Requires graduation from high school or equivalent. Experience working with students in a classroom or equivalent environment desired. Successful completion of the district's competency exam demonstrating knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing and mathematics (or readiness in those subject areas). Completion of 48 semester units at an institution of higher education, or an associate's (or higher) degree highly desirable.
• Abilities:
  Read, write and speak Spanish fluently. Read, write and speak English fluently.

• Knowledge and
  
  Skills:
  
  The…