Paraprofessional

About the Role

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, this position assists certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professionals from non-professional duties.

Responsibilities

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assist professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests, and assessments.
• Assist in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assist with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assist with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompany students on field trips to assist with supervision.
• Construct, copy, distribute, and use educational materials as needed.
• Assist teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assist students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives.
• Participate in the IEP process and serve as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follow all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• Assist guidance, pupil services staff, or building administration as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Equipment

Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements

Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply, and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Frequent walking and reaching.
• Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint.
• Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases).
• Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent.