POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION: PARAPROFESSIONAL (PARAEDUCATOR)
REPORTS TO: PRINCIPAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DESIGNEE
CLASSIFICATION: NON-CERTIFICATED/NON-EXEMPT
SUMMARY OF WORK PERFORMED: Under the direction of the Principal or
Administrative Designee, assist in the supervision and instruction of students in General Education, Special Needs, or other non-critical care instructional programs, with an emphasis on the oral and written language skills of English
Language Learners, individually or in groups; assist in the supervision of students in the classroom or other assigned learning environment, and/or during lunch, and passing periods; follow Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and behavior modification plans as required; and perform other duties as assigned.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. As directed by the classroom teacher, tutor students in individual or small groups, reinforcing or following- up on classroom teacher’s lesson; instruct orally and in written form to academically accelerate student progress to close learning gaps with all students in various academic subject areas.
2. Reinforce lesson concepts and skills using special tutorial techniques or sensory training exercises; provides additional reinforcement and repetition, and present to different learning styles.
3. Explain the teacher’s instructions, activity directions, etc. to students as necessary; guide small group discussions to develop higher-level thinking skills; utilize teacher provided materials or select instructional activities and techniques within a limited range consistent with the teacher’s lesson plans to meet the needs of individual students.
4. Monitor the classroom to motivate and encourage students to remain engaged and stay on task; assist students to improve study, social and behavioral skills; follow the teacher’s plan for positive behavioral support and orderly classroom management; model prosocial, respectful interactions for students; confer with the teacher regarding student performance, progress and concerns; refer parents to classroom teacher or administrative contact when necessary.
5. Provide assistance to students in the classroom(s) in such areas as reading and checking assignments, take lecture notes, make adaptations/modifications/accommodations to assignments and classroom environment under the direction of the teacher, assist with classwork and homework, monitor behavior, implement behavioral plans and IEP’s as required, and collect and record data.
6. Prepare/modify instructional materials and tests; type, file, duplicate, assemble, and laminate materials as directed; maintain written and computer records of student progress for teacher; operate a variety of office and instructional equipment as assigned.
7. Assist in monitoring teacher-prepared tests/quizzes, and standardized achievement tests; correct tests, class work, and homework with objective format using pre-established procedures and norms.
8. Monitor students in assigned areas such school grounds, halls, etc., to enforce safety and appropriate behavior.
9. May provide supervision while escorting students to various locations on campus.
10. Accompany students on field trips as assigned.
11. Promote meaningful inclusion by actively minimizing student barriers during inclusive activities with peers as appropriate.
12. Assist with implementing the school’s safety plans and emergency drills as assigned.
13. Participate in professional development and mandated training as assigned.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
1. Assume professional responsibilities in a manner which meets school expectations and ensures continued personal and professional growth.
2. Perform other duties as assigned consistent with Nova Academy policies and practices such as open house, after school events, etc.
3. Chaperone assigned events as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
1. Reading, writing and mathematics exceeding the 12th grade level.
2. Basic principles of child behavior and development.
3. Basic instructional methods and techniques.
4. Ability to understand the unique problems and concerns of students with language barriers and special needs.
5. Basic recordkeeping techniques, records maintenance, and confidentiality.
6. Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently.
7. Assist in instructing or assist in instructing readiness for reading, writing and mathematics in a classroom or assigned learning environment.
8. Ability to reinforce instruction and modify instruction techniques to meet the needs of students in individual or small groups of students in an assigned subject area as directed by the teacher.
9. Work collaboratively and effectively with teachers, following their directions and classroom procedures.
10. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy to work cooperatively and maintain professional relationships with students, parents, colleagues, school staff, administration and others.
11. Motivate, encourage positive learning patterns, gain the cooperation of, and relate well to students as an adult role model to help develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for post-secondary education and training, in accordance with each student’s ability.
12. Willingness to monitor students and provide behavioral support according to approved School policies and procedures.
13. Flexibility and adaptability to changes in routine and duties.
14. Organizational ability and effective time management skills.
15. Maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance.
16. Work with some independence and exercise initiative.
17. Perform routine clerical duties and learn to operate instructional and office equipment.
18. Learn instructional techniques rapidly and effectively.
19. Display the use of good judgment in making decisions.
20. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Qualifications:
1. High School Diploma/GED and one of the following: a. Completion of at least two years of study (minimum 48 semester hours) at an institution of higher education; b. Possession of an associate’s (or higher) degree; or c. Passing a rigorous assessment that demonstrates the knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics at a level meeting State and Federal requirements.
2. Criminal record clearance.
3. Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record as determined by NOVA Academy’s insurance carrier.
4. Valid CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
Physical Demands:
1. The ability to see for the purposes of reading correspondence, documents and other printed matter and to observe students.
2. Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels in person and/or on the telephone.
3. Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation in person and/or on the telephone.
4. Ability to operate instructional equipment with dexterity and in a safe and efficient manner.
5. Ability to routinely lift/carry up to 20 pounds.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience as an instructional assistant or paraprofessional in an educational setting, or equivalent paid or volunteer experience working with children with learning and/or physical disabilities.
- Bilingual English/Spanish highly desirable.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and employee will perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management as required.
This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Employment at NOVA Academy may be terminated at will by the employee or NOVA Academy at any time with or without cause and with or without notice.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.55 - $22.68 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
