In-Class Support Paraprofessional

About the role

Assist teachers in providing students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth; enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate
• Ability to work with children with special needs
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of classroom technology
• Willingness to be trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention Strategies

Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Help teachers prepare instructional materials and classroom displays
• Maintain a neat and orderly classroom
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment
• Help teachers keep behavioral records
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers

Student Management

• Provide direct support to students in a classroom by delivering instruction and ensuring learning through a variety of co‑teaching models and strategies
• Provide and supervise personal care and medical care
• Work with students with disabilities individually or in groups to provide instructional support
• Implement the instructional plan developed with the classroom teacher for the core curriculum and adjust it based on student needs
• Implement strategies and accommodations from the student’s Individual Education Program and Emergency Health Plans, monitoring student safety
• Maintain a log/schedule of support to students with disabilities across inclusive, resource, and self‑contained classrooms
• Supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom
• Perform non‑complex health procedures and implement Individual Health Plans as applicable
• Lift and position students as needed
• Implement strategies that reinforce positive student behavior and work closely with the classroom teacher on behavior supports and plans
• Assist students in using computer applications and related assistive technology
• Keep teachers informed of special needs or problems of individual students

Other Duties

• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
• Comply with district policies, state and federal laws, and safety procedures
• Maintain confidentiality in district business
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions

Mental Demands: Reading, effective verbal and written communication, maintaining emotional control under stress, coordinating curriculum functions, interpreting policies and procedures, following behavior intervention plans.

Physical Demands: Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, reaching; moving small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and adaptive equipment; repetitive hand motions; prolonged computer use; occasional travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours; possible exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases; vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, and focus adjustment; frequent light lifting (under 15 lb) and occasional heavy lifting (45 lb or over) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non‑ambulatory students; exposure to sun, heat, cold, inclement weather, and noise.