Position: Instructional Paraprofessional
Employment Status: Part-Time or Full-Time, based on school needs
Grade Levels: K–6
Dogwood Charter School is seeking a collaborative and student-centered Instructional Paraprofessional to support teaching and learning across our small, mixed-grade classrooms. The Instructional Paraprofessional works alongside classroom teachers to provide additional instructional support, facilitate small-group and individual learning, assist students in developing independence and strong habits of learning, and help maintain an engaging and orderly classroom environment.
Dogwood blends nature and literature-based learning in small, relational classrooms rooted in wonder and inquiry. The ideal candidate will enjoy working closely with children and teachers in a small-school environment and will value curiosity, relationships, independence, and meaningful learning.
The Instructional Paraprofessional will:
- Work collaboratively with mixed-grade classroom teachers to support daily instruction and classroom routines.
- Provide small-group and individual instructional support under the direction of classroom teachers.
- Reinforce previously taught concepts and skills in literacy, mathematics, and other curricular areas.
- Support students during independent practice, narration, notebooking, hands-on activities, projects, and other learning experiences.
- Assist teachers in meeting the range of academic and developmental needs present within mixed-grade classrooms.
- Facilitate small groups while the classroom teacher works with another grade level or instructional group.
- Help students develop independence, attention, organization, responsibility, and productive habits of learning.
- Support students in accessing classroom materials and participating meaningfully in instruction.
- Assist with the implementation of accommodations, instructional supports, and classroom interventions as directed by teachers and appropriate school personnel.
- Provide additional classroom support for students who need clarification, redirection, organization, or additional practice.
- Observe student learning and communicate relevant observations to classroom teachers.
- Support positive, respectful classroom relationships and schoolwide expectations.
- Assist with transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, outdoor learning, field experiences, and other school activities as assigned.
- Help prepare, organize, and maintain instructional materials and classroom learning spaces.
- Participate in staff training and professional learning relevant to the position.
- Maintain student confidentiality and comply with applicable school policies and procedures.
- Perform other student-support and instructional duties consistent with the role of an instructional paraprofessional.
Role Within Mixed-Grade Classrooms
Dogwood's mixed-grade model requires teachers to intentionally balance whole-class learning with grade-specific and skill-specific instruction. The Instructional Paraprofessional serves as an additional instructional resource who helps make this model successful.
For example, the paraprofessional may:
- Work with one grade level while the classroom teacher provides direct instruction to another;
- Facilitate practice of skills previously taught by the classroom teacher;
- Listen to student narrations or support notebooking activities;
- Support a small group completing mathematics or literacy practice;
- Assist individual students who require additional guidance;
- Help supervise hands-on science, art, nature study, or outdoor learning experiences; or
- Provide classroom coverage and support during transitions between instructional groups.
The paraprofessional supplements the work of the classroom teacher and does not independently assume responsibility for curriculum planning, assessment, or duties requiring teacher certification.
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to work effectively and respectfully with elementary-aged students.
- Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to follow instructional plans and teacher direction while exercising appropriate judgment and initiative.
- Commitment to maintaining student confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Willingness to work collaboratively and flexibly within a small-school environment.
- Ability to meet all applicable Pennsylvania and school requirements for employment as an instructional paraprofessional.
Preferred:
- Associate's or bachelor's degree or coursework in education, child development, psychology, or a related field.
- Previous experience working with children in a school, childcare, tutoring, camp, or educational setting.
- Previous experience as a classroom aide, instructional paraprofessional, teaching assistant, or substitute teacher.
- Experience working in elementary or mixed-grade classrooms.
- Familiarity with the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy or interest in learning about the approach.
- Experience supporting literacy and mathematics instruction.
Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
