The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan’s education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.
We are currently seeking a Paraprofessional Leader at KRESA Transition Services in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:
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Align services with KRESA Core Values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity) and Culture & Belonging principles to engage and serve all students
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Possesses knowledge of subject matter, students’ needs, and building/program policies
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Trains and assists with de-escalation strategies or team restraint when students are in crisis and in danger of hurting themselves, others, or property
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Collects data and progress to monitor student’s academic interventions and behavior objectives
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Reads and implements IEP’s
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Leads classroom instruction in the teacher’s absence
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Teaches, coaches, and supports new paraprofessionals in the classroom
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Supports other classrooms when needed or during crisis situations
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Successfully works with students with the highest support needs
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Provides professional learning to large groups of paraprofessionals
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Develops growth and action plans for their own self-improvement in and outside the classroom
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Leads planning events for students and families
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Part of crisis response team/ behavior support
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Collaborates with teachers in curriculum development and assessment
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Possesses expertise in a specific area of education (e.g., literacy, math intervention)
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Checks and responds to emails daily. Keeps attendance, student records, anecdotal observations, completes evaluations as required by school and teacher
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Regular and consistent attendance
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Other duties as assigned
Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Kalamazoo RESA handbook.
Qualified candidates will have a High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum four years or more experience as a paraprofessional. Successful completion of 321 Insight Para Training Course and/or College Credits. Paraprofessional positions for certain programs may require demonstrated competency level (Work keys test or ETS Paraprofessional Assessment) for meeting highly qualified status and /or an associate degree or 60 college credits.
Other skills and abilities include:
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Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to our core values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity), Culture & Belonging, and Continuous Improvement
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Embraces and supports KRESA’s vision of a transformative, equitable and innovative education for all in the Greater Kalamazoo region
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Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of identities and lived experiences
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Ability to discuss differences with colleagues and clients in a manner that supports building positive working relationships and coaches others to effectively resolve conflicts
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Develop and maintain relational capacity with staff, students, and families
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Demonstrates leadership skills mentoring novice paraprofessionals and communicates and works among a team of colleagues
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Embraces a teamwork attitude
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Ability to be flexible and open minded
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Be an empathic listener
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Contribute in a positive way to the environment
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Organized and able to plan ahead
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Show adaptability to frequent changes in the work environment
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Ability to take initiative and show willingness to learn and take direction
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Practices safe work habits
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Uses equipment and material properly
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Displays reliable attendance and promptness
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Ability to resolve problems independently
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Utilizes effective instructional practices to motivate and engage students in learning
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Maintains confidentiality
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Strong analytical skills
This is a 11 month calendar position in job grade 12 with an hourly rate of pay between $24.23 and $25.58.
KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives – all within a supportive and caring culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.
A Great Place to Live and Work
Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.
Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
