The Dearborn Academy, a K-8 Charter School located at 1930 Ford Rd. Dearborn, MI 48128, is seeking a Paraprofessional. The Dearborn Academy’s mission is to serve a multicultural community through individualized, focused instruction allowing each student to achieve academic excellence and exhibit social responsibility.

Provide instructional support to students and assist teachers in the educational process of all students in both instructional and non-instructional activities.

Position Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist teachers and other professionals with adapting and using learning materials and equipment to meet the needs of individuals with different ability levels, learning styles or language backgrounds.
• Follow directions of supervising teacher.
• Assist in presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises in compliance with curriculum.
• Tutor and/or assist students individually or in small groups through drills, practice and study activities following presentation of instructional concepts by instructional personnel.
• Assist in supervision of students in the classroom, on study trip activities, on the playground, in the lunchroom and in bus duty.
• Assist in managing student discipline through use of positive reinforcement strategies.
• Assist in maintaining a neat, orderly and attractive learning environment, including, but not limited to designing and displaying bulletin boards and other student work.
• Report incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to the Code and administrative and/or Academy policies.
• Assist in parent conferences if requested by supervising teacher.
• Use and apply technology when working with students.
• Participate in in-service and training, both required and as agreed upon by the Principal.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Effectively manage time and tasks that may sometimes have severe time constraints.
• Follow directions of supervising teacher and take initiative in providing support to students.
• Provide short-term coverage for professional and Para-Educator peers.

Actual roles and responsibilities will vary depending on individual circumstances; substitute Para-Educators will generally be required to perform some or all of the following tasks. (Note that this list in not all-inclusive and that the Principal may also assign other tasks he/she deems appropriate).

• Assist children to develop confidence and competence in all areas of the curriculum.
• Assist children to develop responsibility for their own behavior.
• Assist children in the development of speaking, writing, reading and listening skills.
• Under the direction of the teacher, prepare materials and assist in the delivery of the educational program.
• Offer ideas and suggestions to improve the classroom environment where appropriate.
• Under supervision of the teacher, work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Discuss children’s needs and reactions with the teacher.
• Support and maintain the discipline established by the teacher.
• Respect the confidentiality of the teacher, students and parents.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Academy routines, emergency procedures and Academy discipline policy.
• Provide classroom coverage during emergencies or when teacher is absent and substitute teachers are not available.
• Provide coverage in the cafeteria during lunch and in the playground/classroom during recess.
• Cover any other assignments as requested by a teacher or administrator.

Qualifications:

Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate's degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment:

• Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• If the Para-Educator is acting as a substitute teacher, the individual must comply with MDE’s requirements for substitute teachers.
• Satisfactory criminal background check and unprofessional conduct check as required by School Safety Legislation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Grade levels:

• Elementary school
• Kindergarten
• Middle school
• Pre-Kindergarten

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

School type:

• Charter school

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Work Location: In person