Paraeducator (2026-2027 School Year)

Description Job Title: Paraeducator Position Function: Paraeducators help to deliver educational programs in the elementary or secondary educational systems. Their role is vital in today's classroom. The main function of the Paraeducator is to support the teacher working with individual or groups of students. The Paraeducator is assigned to meet the needs of specific students and/or program needs within the school. They work alongside and under the guidance of teacher(s) who is ultimately responsible for the education of all students in the class and the Paraeducator serves as a support. The development of the Paraeducator role is to link academic assistance, communication and/or understanding between the school, classroom teacher, families and community by assisting at the school conference, gathering or events. Essential Performance Responsibilities Will spend a large portion of their time in the classroomAssists students with lessons under direct supervision of the classroom teacherIs genuinely committed to helping children learn - assist students and reinforce concepts for individuals or small groupsWorks with teachers to modify activities to meet individual student's needsAssists teachers in monitoring, collecting data, and maintaining records regarding student performance and progressAssists in the maintenance of learning areas and/or learning centers and instructional materials and use appropriate educational technology and resourcesDisplays patience and understanding while managing childrenDisplays ability to work in demanding situations and still maintain a sense of orderUnderstands and is sensitive to the obstacles facing the children under supervision. Teach self-help, problem solving and/or coping skillsRecognizes individual learning styles and become knowledgeable of the characteristics of learners you serve (e.g., cultural background, language proficiency, mobility and family dynamics)Challenges students to fulfill their potentialDocuments parent contacts and inform appropriate personnel. Many contacts are required for students' supplemental servicesIs an active part of an educational team within the students you serveDemonstrates knowledge of various philosophies and theories of educationDemonstrates knowledge and skills in working within a multidisciplinary context Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by Supervisor. Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use. Travel: Limited to no travel required. Physical And Mental Demands Be able to work in various weather conditionsBe able to react immediately to an emergency situation for the safety and welfare of the students and staff, which may include the use of physical restraint techniqueBe able to walk long distances, stand for long periods, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps and reach overheadPossess the manual dexterity, physical ability and stamina for a full day of physical activityBe able to see and hear wellAdditional demands upon request of SupervisorAble to lift, carry, push and pull up to 20 pounds on a regular basis Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Maintain high level of confidentiality of information regarding students and staff information and issuesModel appropriate behavior for studentsDevelop and maintain a professional rapport with classroom teacher and other staffDemonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students, staff, and parentsObserve and chart student behavior and assist in discipline of student as instructed by the teacherDemonstrate the ability to prioritize and organizeAssist with grading, marking papers and checking homeworkAssist students to and from buses and assisting the drivers until departure timeAssist in the transportation of studentsAssist in caring for student's medical needs when under the direct supervision of the school nurse or other appropriate professionalAbility to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining informationAbility to communicate effectively with a Supervisor when their discretion is neededAbility to perform as an effective team playerAbility to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the buildingExhibit a professional manner and a positive attitudeUse good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignmentsDisplay a significant degree of professionalism and confidentialityAbility to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearanceKnowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them Qualifications Interrelations: Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendorsWill be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasksWill be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacyMust understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleaguesExpected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service Employee Punctuality And Appearance In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leaveAny deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administratorAll employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position Qualification Profile High School Diploma or GED equivalent requiredParas working in a Title School must have a minimum of 48 accredited college credits verifiable with a transcript or pass a state approved assessmentSome positions require in-service, training or course work in first aide, symptoms of child abuse, and/or symptoms and signs of illness FLSA Status: Non-Exempt