The Educational Paraprofessional supports the instructional program by assisting teachers in providing a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment for students. The paraprofessional works under the direction of certified staff to support classroom activities, reinforce instruction, supervise students, and assist with daily school operations.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesInstructional SupportAssist teachers in preparing instructional materials and classroom resources.Work with individual students and small groups to reinforce concepts and skills introduced by the teacher.Support student engagement and participation during classroom activities.Monitor student progress and provide feedback to the classroom teacher.Assist with classroom organization and learning center activities.Support the implementation of classroom routines and procedures.Student Supervision and SupportSupervise students during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, recess, field trips, assemblies, and other school events as assigned.Promote positive student behavior and help maintain a respectful learning environment.Encourage student independence, responsibility, and appropriate social interactions.Assist in monitoring attendance and student movement throughout the school day.Provide supervision and monitoring of students during lunch periods, recess, assemblies, field trips, and other school-sponsored activities.Assist with student arrival and dismissal procedures, including bus, car rider, and walker supervision as assigned.Support safe and orderly student transitions throughout the school day.Monitor hallways, common areas, and designated locations to ensure student safety and adherence to school expectations.Assist in maintaining a positive school climate by reinforcing school rules, routines, and behavioral expectations.Classroom CoverageProvide short-term classroom coverage when a teacher is temporarily unavailable, in accordance with district policies and administrative direction.Provide coverage of teachers for the full day as a substitute teacher, when called upon. Supervise students during planned and unplanned teacher absences while maintaining established classroom routines and expectations.Facilitate teacher-prepared instructional activities and assignments during coverage periods.Communicate any concerns or incidents that occur during classroom coverage to the supervising administrator and classroom teacher.Instructional and Operational FlexibilitySupport multiple classrooms, grade levels, and school programs as assigned to meet student and operational needs.Assist administrators and teachers with school-wide activities, assessments, events, and special projects.Respond to daily operational needs and assignments that support the efficient functioning of the school.Communication and CollaborationWork collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other school staff.Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and school matters.Participate in training and professional development opportunities as required.Communicate concerns regarding student well-being, safety, or academic progress to the supervising teacher or administrator.Other DutiesPerform other duties as assigned by the principal or designee consistent with the responsibilities of the position.This position may include flexible hours so that there is coverage before and after school. (Hours not to exceed the daily contractually agreed upon time) Support of individual general education students as needed, i.e., students not on Individual Education Plans.
Note: Cannot support or supplant any supports provided by provisions of FAPE.QualificationsAssociate's Degree, completion of two years of college coursework, passing score on an approved paraprofessional assessment, or other qualifications as required by state and federal regulations.Ability to work effectively with students, staff, and families.Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.Demonstrated commitment to creating a positive and inclusive school environment.Physical RequirementsAbility to move throughout the school building and grounds.Ability to supervise students in various settings, including classrooms, cafeterias, playgrounds, and school events.Ability to lift and carry instructional materials and classroom supplies as needed.Terms of EmploymentIn accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and School Committee policies.EvaluationPerformance will be evaluated annually by the building principal or designee in accordance with district procedures.
