26/27 SPED Aide III

About the role

The Opportunity: PLA Special Education Paraprofessionals are passionate and devoted assistants bringing creativity and rigor to our classrooms to support an improved learning experience for our scholars. Our Special Education Paraprofessionals are compassionate and committed to building a caring environment that nurtures the success of our school community. As a Special Education Paraprofessional at Phalen Leadership Academies, you will work under the supervision of the building principal, with direct supervision provided by special education teachers. Day-to-day duties will vary depending on the age of students served, as well as the nature and severity of the students’ disabilities.

The Network: PLA is a transformative education nonprofit changing communities across the country by providing a depth of resources not found in the traditional education model. In addition to serving as one of the country’s best turnaround school operators and successfully launching charter school start-ups, PLA also provides our school communities with a successful, research-based summer learning program (Summer Advantage), a successful Reading and Math Intervention program (Reading and Math Advantage), and a workforce development program (Skilled US) that provides expanded opportunities for our high school graduates, along with the family members of our current staff and students. This menu of programs and services is unique to our network, sets us apart from other organizations, and provides expanded opportunities for our staff through career advancement opportunities and expanded income opportunities.

The Campus: Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA), founded in 2013 in honor of George and Veronica Phalen, is proud to announce the launch of its newest school, PLA West Virginia. Guided by our core values, Children First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude, PLA continues its mission to ensure that all children, no matter their zip code, receive a high-quality education. As the largest Black-founded and led school turnaround operator in the nation, PLA currently serves nearly 10,000 scholars across 20 schools nationwide and has transformed 12 F-rated schools into A-rated successes. Our nonprofit network of elementary, middle, and high schools is dedicated to empowering teachers, engaging families, and partnering with communities to raise achievement in historically underserved areas. PLA’s schools are supported by comprehensive wraparound services, including free summer programs, in-school tutoring, job training, and college access support. Together, we’re building great schools—and brighter futures—for every scholar.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students and monitor their progress
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom
• Work with other professionals, such as speech therapists, social workers, occupational and physical therapists
• Assist the building-level SPED Department with maintaining student records
• Support students with behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills
• Assist in the preparation and display of student work
• Assist SPED teacher with preparing materials for