Paraeducator - Elementary

Under the direction of a supervising teacher, the Elementary Paraeducator assists with the basic skills development of students, including those with identified disabilities. This role supports learning in small groups or individually, either within regular classrooms or in specialized learning areas.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor students throughout the school day in accordance with school and district policies, with specific oversight of the playground, crosswalk, and breakfast/lunch areas.
• Communicate concerns to the principal regarding safety violations or lack of cooperation.
• Help students problem solve and resolve conflicts.
• Report safety hazards on campus to the main office.
• Assist students with opening food items, wiping up spills, and cleaning their area.
• Follow protocol when assisting an injured student.
• Establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and redirect student behaviors that do not align with school expectations.
• Tutor individuals and/or groups in specific skills as directed by the teacher.
• Assist the teacher in administering special instructional and/or behavioral programs.
• Plan daily/weekly with teachers and other staff members servicing the same students.
• Assist the teacher in communicating with other building/district staff and parents.
• Inform the advising teacher of any observed problems or information regarding individual students.
• Perform instructional/tutorial assignments and keep records as directed by the supervising teacher.
• Interact positively with students, parents, and staff, providing positive reinforcement to students throughout the day.
• Assist with room maintenance and inventory of books and equipment.
• Assist with health-related procedures for students as assigned.
• Perform instructional clerical tasks.
• Work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Assist substitute teachers with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and one of the following:
  • AA degree, or
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, or
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state-approved paraeducator assessment test.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math, and grammar skills.
• Experienced and/or trained in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Complete the District's Paraeducator Core Competency requirements.
• Possess and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR and first aid training.
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class if assigned to a Resource Support position.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students in grades K-5.
• Knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Familiarity with procedures for regulating traffic and pedestrians.
• Understanding of different learning styles and how to support them.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and basic math.
• Experience with positive behavior interventions and de-escalation techniques (Right Response).

Skills

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness to increase proficiency.
• Work independently and collaboratively, fostering a team approach.
• Maintain good work attendance, punctuality, and follow district procedures for reporting absences.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility, and a commitment to students.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Develop and maintain positive relations with staff and service providers.
• Follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision.
• Speak, read, and follow written communications in English.
• Demonstrate patience and skill in working with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs, including those exhibiting violent behavior.
• Exercise judgment in acting independently or referring to higher authority.
• Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including confidentiality requirements.
• Communicate effectively with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Interact positively with students, parents, and staff in a professional manner.
• Commit to continuing professional growth.
• Perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how it influences behavior, with a desire to learn about others' cultural identities.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment.
• Ability to recognize each person as a unique individual while celebrating their group cultural heritage.

Physical Demands

• Constantly sit, stand, walk, bend neck and back, and use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling.
• Frequently squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation.
• Occasionally climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry.
• Constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs.
• Frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 50 lbs (with assistance or mechanical device for weights over 50 lbs).
• Occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

• Regularly work in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently work near a video display.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

Schedule

This is a school-year assignment. Hours and days will vary from school to school.

Pay

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.