Description:
The job of instructional para educator is done for the purpose of providing assistance to classroom teachers. Responsibilities vary with individual assignment, but typically include tutoring students, providing small and large group instructions, and implementing behavior management systems. This position requires working with students with varied disabilities (mild to severe learning, behavioral, emotional, and physical disabilities).
Essential Functions
- Provide instructional support and assistance in teaching and learning as needed in small or large group situations.
- Assist teachers with various duties related to the instruction of students such as observing, recording data, charting behavior, and classroom preparation.
- Follow and implement plans, procedures, strategies, or tasks as directed by an administrator or certificated staff.
- Learn and apply approaches/strategies to use when working with students in an instructional setting.
- Demonstrate interest in working with students, including those with special needs.
- Encourage and model expected behavior.
- Build and maintain a positive, caring relationship with all students.
- Assist in maintaining safety, behavior, decorum, and order in common areas including, but not limited to, cafeteria, playground, corridors, study halls, gymnasium, auditorium, locker rooms, parking lots, crosswalks, detention rooms, and school busses.
- Toilet/diaper and feed students, if necessary; may include tube feeding and catheterization.
- Work cooperatively and respectfully with all members of the school community.
- Demonstrate sensitivity and respect for diversity among all members of the school/department or district community.
- Keep documentation and maintain organized records on a daily basis.
- Participate in training courses in order to enhance skills.
- Perform basic computer skills such as word processing and email.
- Report to assigned duty areas promptly and reliably.
- Remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations.
- Work independently with minimal supervision.
- Provide first aid in case of illness and/or injury and report accidents to the building office.
- Perform other duties as directed by the building principal.
Minimum QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Training
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Current first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain promptly.
All instructional para educators shall be required to be highly qualified upon hire as defined by federal law.
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- Completed at least 2 years of study totaling 72 quarter hours at an institution of learning; OR
- Obtained an associates (or higher) degree; OR
- Completed and passed the ETS ParaPro Praxis Assessment; OR
- Completed and passed the Master Teacher Assessment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively with all staff, students, and as a team member, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work with students in a warm and confident manner.
- Knowledge of student safety rules and procedures.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.