Who is Purpose Built Schools Atlanta?

Purpose Built Schools, in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools (APS), operates three neighborhood schools in south Atlanta: Slater Elementary School, Price Middle School and Carver STEAM Academy (high school). Purpose Built Schools works to deliver outstanding results for students and the surrounding communities through high-quality instruction, intentional enrichment opportunities and a strategic approach to serving families’ needs beyond the school walls. By combining the best of traditional public schools with the best of charter schools, Purpose Built Schools offers a proven program designed to put all students on a trajectory for success through college and in their careers.

What would my role be?

Paraprofessionals play a critical support role in PK-5 classrooms at Purpose Built Schools Atlanta. They work in collaboration with teachers, provide support with small group instruction and serve to decrease the student: teacher ratio.

Like all other staff, paraprofessionals will be guided to integrate a variety of research-based resources and strategies to support instruction. Per the vision of the school, these teaching teams will focus on literacy and math as critical foundations, and infuse learning with STEAM (STEM the Arts) to create interdisciplinary learning opportunities and foster 21st century skills in students.

Paraprofessionals will work as team members both within the classroom, across the grade level team, and vertically with other grade levels. Like teachers, paraprofessionals will have the opportunity to participate in research-based professional development.

What would my responsibilities be?

1. Effective Classroom Instruction

• Leading small group classroom instruction under the direction of the lead teacher and supporting whole-group classroom instruction.
• Supporting the formal and informal assessment of student achievement.
• Utilizing robust research-based curricula, resources, and strategies to enhance instruction.
• Supporting the teacher in any operational needs in the classroom.
• Fostering a classroom culture that facilitates intrinsic drive for learning and personal growth among students.

2. Personal and Professional Growth

• Participating in joint planning during teacher planning time.
• Reflecting on practice and seeking appropriate help and support from the lead teacher when appropriate.
• Participating in collaborative learning communities on topics of mutual interest, such as vertical alignment of the curriculum, literacy strategies, etc.
• If desired and warranted, working with school leadership to explore certification options and pursuing a lead teacher position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required, and Para Assessment test or Minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hour of college coursework. Associate Degree or higher in lieu of above.
• Georgia Paraprofessional Certificate.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions

The physical abilities and other conditions of continued employment listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of physical abilities and other conditions of continued employment which may be required of positions in this class. Purpose Built Schools Atlanta encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Human Resources Department for further information.

• Vision : Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Hearing : Ability to answer telephones and tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.
• Speech : Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications; to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone.
• Upper Body Mobility : Ability to use hands and fingers to feel, grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.
• Strength : Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict.
• Environmental Requirements : Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.
• Mental Requirements : Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgment and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records.

Purpose Built Schools Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Purpose Built Schools Atlanta assures Equal Employment Opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, management and administration reserve the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.