Special Education Paraprofessional

Position details and qualifications for a Special Education Educational Assistant role.

Must possess active Illinois paraprofessional license or higher Illinois educator license. (For paraprofessional license, must meet Federal NCLB Requirements of at least 60 semester college credits, or an AA degree or higher degree, or passing score on the state paraprofessional exam.)

Under the direct supervision of a certified teacher or administrator, performs a variety of tasks: assisting the teacher in the development of an instructional program by working with students individually or in small/large groups, preparing instructional materials, assisting in implementation of classroom discipline, independently administering up to 6 extended intervention periods, and conducting planned activities using teacher-designated methods and materials. Some positions may require aptitude and skill in working with the particular disabilities or learning needs of students.

Some positions may require aptitude and skill in the use of technology and specialized software programs. Some positions may require a combination of intervention periods along with other specialized duties.

• Assist teachers in the planning and implementation of learning experiences for students enrolled in programs; confer with teachers to provide feedback on student performance, progress and testing activities;
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities;
• Assist in monitoring classroom management in accordance with the district's discipline procedures, which may include the physical restraint, physical movement, lifting and carrying of students;
• Supervise students in and outside of the classroom with an understanding of and provision for a safe environment;
• Perform various clerical functions in student record keeping, monitor assignments, IEP development, maintain accurate files and other related functions;
• Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies and play periods;
• Assist with large group activities such as drill work, reading aloud and storytelling;
• Read to students, listen to students read, and participate in other forms of oral communication with students;
• Check notebooks, correct papers, and supervise testing and make-up work as assigned by the teacher;
• Alert the teacher or administrator to any problem or special information about an individual student;
• Serve as a source of information and support to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher;
• Assist with record keeping to monitor students' daily and monthly data on instructional and behavioral progress;
• Assist classroom teacher in diagnostic testing and reporting;
• Provide remedial instruction as requested;
• Perform clerical duties such as data entry, copying, filing and record keeping;
• Provide supervision of students in buildings or other school areas and school-related activities (i.e., hall duty, at assemblies, in lunch and playground areas, or with school buses as required);
• Assist the classroom teacher in maintaining class and student records;
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students and staff;
• Other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of:
  English usage, mathematics, and a basic understanding of the subjects in which this position is to provide assistance;
• Basic child guidance principles and practices;
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities;
• Reading and writing communication skills;
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy;
• Record-keeping techniques.

• Work harmoniously with others and to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with students and staff;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Maintain confidentiality of students and their records;
• Supervise individual or groups of students in an instructional setting without constant teacher oversight; work in a team situation;
• Deliver instructional programs to students who…