Paraeducator

Job description

Under the supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher, assists the teacher in the education of students including management of student behavior; recordkeeping; instructional assistance; classroom safety, security and organization; and interaction and communication with students, support staff, parents/guardians, and agencies. Paraeducators work in special education programs with a variety of students who are in need of academic assistance and have learning, communication, and behavioral or emotional disabilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: - Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning material or skills introduced by the teacher. - Guide independent, enrichment, and remedial work as assigned by the teacher. - Help student master instructional materials assigned. - Implement instructional activities that contribute to a climate where students are actively engaged in meaningful, authentic learning experiences. - Identify, select, and modify instructional resources to meet the needs of the students with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and special needs. - Monitor student progress in instructional programs and relate findings to supervising teacher. - Monitor student during independent work or group activities. - Monitor safety in a variety of settings. - Implement behavioral management strategies. - Collect behavioral data. - Support students with personal care/health needs such as toileting/feeding. - Support inclusion with non-disabled peers. - Provide a positive environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process. - Prepare, operate, and care for needed materials, equipment, and supplies in the classroom for instructional purposes. - Participate in appropriate staff development/meetings to ensure professional growth. - Assist teacher with the supervision of students. - Treat all students with dignity and respect. - Perform other duties as assigned. ABILITY TO: - Physically assist students with specials needs as required (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining, etc.) - Communicate effectively with students, other staff, and their parents. - Use appropriate English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar. - Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. - Remain calm and rational while working with students and their parents. - Maintain the confidentiality of information related to individual pupils, parents and other employees. - Organize time in order to maintain the flow of the program. - Work effectively under the direction of others. - Work cooperatively with others. - Set a good example in terms of punctuality, attendance and work ethic. - Be proactive in matters relating to health and safety. - Have willingness to assume other responsibilities appropriate for the position - Use a computer, and common classroom equipment. - Operate standard office equipment copier, fax machine, etc. QUALIFICATIONS: - High school diploma or the equivalent. - Two years of college credit, or an associate’s (or higher) degree, or progress toward degree preferred. - Combination of training and experience which demonstrates ability to perform the duties and responsibilities as described, including previous experience working with groups of children; experience working with children with disabilities highly desirable. - Knowledge of: Basic reading, writing, and math. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION: - Lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds, and may assist, move, or restrain students with greater weight when required to intervene in student safety issues. - Required to sit, lift, carry, move about, hear and speak. ***We prioritize assembling a staff that reflects our student diversity. Spanish-speaking a plus. EOE***