Special Education Paraprofessional

The Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools serves 1600 students ranging from PreK-12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school. Over 92% of our students are Latinx. Our school system consists of Guadalupe Centers High School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers Elementary School. Our system grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programming. Guadalupe Centers is the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US since 1919. Our roots in our community run deep.

There are many benefits to working at GCCS with some of them being:

• Student and Families: GCCS teachers strive to form strong relationships with our students and their families. Our organization grew out of Guadalupe Centers, the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US. These community ties are integral to who we are. 

• Staff Autonomy: Teachers at GCCS appreciate having the autonomy to try proven and new approaches in their classroom and are encouraged to innovate. The experience of teachers is valued and they are given space to collaborate and share their best practice. 

• Coaching and Development: Staff at GCCS collaborate with their leaders on their growth and development. GCCS teachers set a professional development goal in collaboration with their coaches, and colleagues, and in district initiatives. All staff are aligned on working on their development over the year.

Additional benefits include but are not limited to Competitive compensation and benefits, a qualifying relocation stipend upon hire, and tuition reimbursement. GCCS has also expanded our benefits around well-being and mental health. 

Summary:

The SPED Paraprofessional will work with classroom teachers to effectively plan, coordinate, and carry out instructional activities. This position will work with the teacher to instruct children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for persistence toward graduation by performing the following duties.

Reports To: Building Principal & Director of Special Education

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work with teachers in team teaching, team planning, and daily routines.
• Provide group instruction to assigned children.
• Understand, support, and be able to assist in implementing and communicating the curriculum with the children and their parents.
• Assist in preparing and setting up daily materials.
• Work cooperatively with parents and other classroom/ school volunteers and staff.
• Participate in program planning committees and parent involvement activities.
• Attend Professional Development sessions.
• Implement individual and group activities to stimulate growth as outlined in the IEP. 
• Instruct children in the practice of daily living skills as appropriate.
• Remain with students for support during all times outside of the Special Education classroom as assigned.
• Provide short-term classroom coverage when the teacher must leave the room but remains within the building.
• Must provide personal care for student (i.e. diaper changing, toileting, feeding,) as appropriate
• Lift and transfer students as needed.
• Implement the use of technology to enhance student achievement.
• Use of American Sign Language skills required for Deaf Hard of Hearing assignments.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum design, teaching, and instruction
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the Spanish language 
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; different learning styles.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students. 
• Thorough understanding of policies, laws, and guidelines related to special education including IDEA, IEPs, and 504.

• Committed to working with under-served students. 

Education and Experience:

• 60 college hours; a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education is preferred.
• Missouri State Certification in Secondary Education. 
• Bilingual ability, English required and Spanish preferred.
• Experience in an urban school setting is preferred. 
• Highly Qualified Status (this status requires the following) …
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Appropriate certification for the course/grade level being taught.
• Documentation of content expertise in the area being taught. 

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout school and classroom.
• Must be able to lift 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Must be able to kneel, sit, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day.
• Prolonged periods sitting and working on the computer to complete necessary paperwork.
• Must be able to navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed. 

Application Process: 

Please complete an application which may be found on our Career Portal. If a position requires a degree, please upload a copy of transcripts and/or degree certification to your application. Other attachments such as a cover letter or resume can also be uploaded and attached to the application.

Guadalupe Centers, Inc. conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities’ individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.