Para - Educator; Alternative to Suspension

Para-Educator

Assists the classroom teacher by performing assigned duties related to the learning process such as reinforcing skills taught by the classroom teacher and monitoring student progress under the direction/supervision of the teacher or building administrator. Minimum qualifications include an associates degree or higher; or high school diploma or equivalent with additional 48 semester credit hours from accredited institutions; or high school diploma or equivalent with addition of passing a rigorous test as approved by VDOE or YCSD for purposes of determining highly qualified status for teacher assistants.

Bachelor's degree or higher qualifies for Tier Two.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include basic knowledge and/or experience related to area of assignment, skilled in handling varied multiple duties, demonstrates initiative and self-direction, sufficient strength, agility, and dexterity; ability to communicate both orally and in writing to perform all performance responsibilities, willingness to serve all students, ability to work with students, teachers, administrators, and parents, ability to monitor students and check work in classrooms with varied seating and desk organization patterns, ability to assist in the implementation of an instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior, including outdoor activity areas, gymnasiums, etc.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Performance responsibilities may include substituting for the classroom teacher for short periods of time, assisting with daily routine tasks related to instructional activities such as reviewing students' work, monitoring attendance, maintaining collections of student work, etc. Performing assigned duties related to the learning process. Reinforcing skills taught by the classroom teacher to individuals and small groups. Helping students with special assignments or those requiring additional academic support.

Collecting information on student progress and communicating with the classroom teacher. Monitoring students under the direction/supervision of the teacher or building administrator. Serving bus, cafeteria, hall duty, or other assignments. Assisting the teacher in assembling and preparing instructional materials. Assisting the teacher in the maintenance of a safe, clean, and attractive classroom. Assisting in safety drills and other building security procedures as requested.

Participating in staff development activities related to area of assignment. Performing other duties as assigned.

Working conditions and physical requirements include standing and reaching with hands and arms; walking; sitting; stooping or kneeling; crouching or crawling. Duties may involve risk resulting from attending to students' physical or sanitation/hygiene needs. Must be physically capable of frequently lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.

Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal/typewriter, and to perform; see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in person and on the telephone;

ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.