Secondary Paraeducator - Multilingual Program

About the Role

This position requires the Paraeducator to support students for whom English is a second language, focusing on assisting students in the development of spoken and written language. The Paraeducator will work with K-12 students to determine their native language proficiency in Spanish, support their placement and success in the mainstream classroom, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Work with students on developing their English language skills, either in small groups or one-on-one.
• Assist students with English skills throughout the curriculum.
• Support the teacher in preparing the classroom and materials.
• Assist the teacher in keeping accurate records.
• Develop a good rapport with teachers, students, staff, and parents.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Perform instructional clerical tasks.
• Work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Assist substitute teachers with pertinent classroom information.
• Test students, file documents, and translate materials for certificated teachers and parents.
• Attend and translate at parent/teacher conferences as needed.

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.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Understanding of other cultures.
• Experience working with students whose native language is not English.

Skills

• Knowledge of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Familiarity with Positive Behavior Training, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and de-escalation techniques.
• Basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness to increase proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong communication skills in English (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Demonstrated patience and ability to work with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs, including those exhibiting violent behavior.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical/professional standards of conduct.
• Ability to interact positively with students, parents, and staff in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Cultural Competence and Equity

• Knowledge and awareness of your 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 of staff, students, and patrons.
• Ability to recognize each person as a unique individual while celebrating their group cultural heritage.
• Commitment to the district's vision: "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."

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 up to 50 lbs (lifting over 50 lbs should be done with two people or a mechanical device).
• Constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs and frequently lift/carry up to 25 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.
• Occasional exposure 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 may vary slightly from school to school.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (prorated based on FTE).
• Sick and vacation leave.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement benefits.

Pay

Compensation follows the Public School Employees (PSE) Salary Schedule for Paraeducators.