HS Paraprofessional

About the role

This paraprofessional position assists in the general supervision and management of children, enabling teachers to focus on the educational needs of students.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assists in the implementation of the daily program under the direction of the teacher.
• Assists in planning and preparing the learning environment, setting up interest centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies for students' daily activities.
• Works individually or in small groups with students to review classroom instruction, listen to reading groups, or assist in answering questions.
• Helps with general housekeeping tasks.
• Aids the teacher in any other appropriate ways.
• Performs clerical tasks.
• Treats all children with dignity and respect.
• Attends all staff meetings and recommended training programs and conferences, including in-service training as may be required by the District.
• Operates and cares for instructional equipment used in the classroom.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal.
• Follows directions given by assigned Teacher or other school leader.

Student Management

• Assists with the supervision of students outside the classroom, such as during field trips, play periods, lunchroom activities, dismissal, etc.
• Serves as a substitute teacher when the teacher is out of the room.

School/Community Relations

• Maintains confidentiality about children, their families, and other employees outside the school.
• Handles sensitive and confidential information, documents, communications, incidents, etc., with discretion and in a conscientious manner.
• Cooperates and shares professionally with other members of the staff.
• Promotes high academic achievement for all children;
• Promotes a greater focus on teaching and learning;
• Promotes flexibility to stimulate local initiatives coupled with responsibility for student performance;
• Promotes improved linkages among schools, parents, and communities.

Job Requirements

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent experience – Required
• Some college, Associates degree or Bachelor’s degree - Preferred
• Able to pass State/FBI background check and DCFS Screening
• Possess ParaPro Exam Certification or able to pass exam within 30 days of employment
• Speak, read, and write English fluently
• Successful results of criminal and employment background check
• Experience in working with children, preferably children with disabilities
• Be in the process of becoming professionally prepared to supervise young children
• Commitment to District values
• Adherence to the requirements of the Code of Ethics for the Education Profession
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, abilities and skills will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Skills And Knowledge

• Demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment toward the position and the mission of the company; supports the company's values in the strategic areas of academic excellence, operational performance, superior culture, and financial health and growth, as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Has strong time management & organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, students, parents, the community, and administrative staff.
• Establishes excellent interpersonal skills between all stakeholders: being courteous, professional, and helpful; Oral (including presentations), Written, Interpersonal (active listening), Negotiating and Influencing.
• The ability to consistently be at work, be on time, follow instructions, respond to direction and solicit feedback to improve performance.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and email communications.
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Strives to implement consistently best practices and positive character education.

Work Environment

Usual schools working conditions. May be noisy during high student traffic. Temperature may vary based on location and weather.