Westlawn Elementary, a public charter school in Texarkana, TX, is currently seeking a Special Education Para.
Position Summary
Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Work in self-contained, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.
Position Requirements
Provide support to classroom teacher in all areas of instruction, safety, hygiene and wellness of the students in a center-based environment.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
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Knowledge of special needs of students in assigned area
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Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
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General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
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Knowledge of safety precautions
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First Aid/CPR
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Ability to follow directions
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Time Management expertise
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Fluent in Microsoft Office
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General knowledge of child development
Duties/Responsibilities
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Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers.
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Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans for the students and monitor their progress.
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Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
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Work with other professionals, such as speech therapist, social worker, occupational and physical therapists.
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Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
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Support instructional programs and provide instructional assistance for students in individual, small and large group settings. Implement approved modifications and/or accommodations of curriculum.
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Help and support students with special needs which may include emotional issues, self-help skills, fine and gross motor, visual, auditory, physical, medical and health needs, educational, prevocational and life skills in a least restrictive environment.
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Facilitate crisis intervention and assist students with problem solving techniques and conflict resolution. Enforces policies regarding behaviors and discipline to help correct behavioral problems and meet behavioral goals.
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Collaborate and communicate with other special and regular educators and administrators with regard to academic and behavioral issues and observations. Provide suggestions, feedback and support to building staff, administrators, parents and outside agencies regarding effective strategies for facilitating learning.
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Assist the school professional by helping with data collection, updating records and documentation while helping maintain student files and class records. Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
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Attend and participate in network and building in-service opportunities and committee work.
Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer, phone systems, video/instructional equipment, and peripherals Posture: Prolonged siting and standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking; repetitive computer work with frequent use of hands and wrists
Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 50 pounds); may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment, as well as supporting students in bathroom assistance
Environment: Work inside from school, home, or location other than school building, may work outside; regular exposure to noise and computer monitors
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours
Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required.
Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments.
Participate in ARD Committee meetings on a regular basis.
Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan for instructional activities.
Present subject matter according to guidelines established by IEP.
Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media to meet the needs and capabilities of each student assigned.
Use technology in teaching/learning process.
Benefits:
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Dental insurance
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Health insurance
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Life insurance
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Paid time off
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Retirement plan
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Vision insurance
Schedule:
