Title 1 Instructional Assistant

Carthage R-9 School District

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:                 Title I Paraprofessionals           

Responsible to:       Title I Director, Building Principal

Qualifications:

Individuals with one of the following qualifications are eligible to be a paraprofessional:

• 60 college credit hours,
• Associate’s degree or higher,
• Missouri ParaPro Assessment passing score (before September 23, 2013),
• Missouri Paraprofessional Assessment passing score (after September 23, 2013), or
• Completed Missouri’s20-hour online substitute training program

General Responsibilities:    

• The principal, Literacy Coach, teacher and paraprofessional will develop, on a yearly basis, work schedule(s). All three parties should be notified ahead of time of any deviations from this schedule.
• The teacher has primary responsibility for the students and the maintenance of the classroom. The assignment of a Title I paraprofessional is to “assist” the classroom teacher in meeting the needs of the students.  Title I paraprofessionals should not be left in charge of the entire class. 
• The teacher and/or Literacy Coach has primary responsibility for the lesson plans of this program. The Title I paraprofessional will, under the direction of the teacher/coach, develop lesson plans for students.
• The Title I paraprofessional should absolutely avoid physical contact in disciplinary situations. Verbal correction is permissible.  All serious discipline problems should be directed to the classroom teacher.
• Difficulties that arise should be brought to the attention of the teacher and, if necessary, the principal. Grievances should be addressed internally rather than being aired publicly.
• The Title I paraprofessional will not discuss the academic achievement or records of a student with any person other than the principal, Literacy Coach, counselor, or teacher.
• The Title I paraprofessional will work with small groups of students or in the regular classroom to provide additional instruction of a supplemental nature.
• Title I paraprofessionals:
  • Must have a minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit with a certified transcript on file, or pass the Paraprofessional Mega Test;
  • must work under the direct supervision of the Title I teacher, Literacy Coach, or the regular classroom teacher and do not have a caseload of their own;
  • may work with no more than six students at a time;
  • allow the Title I class size to be increased to 15 with a certified teacher;
  • may be included in professional development activities.
• Title I paraprofessionals cannot be pulled away from Title I duties to serve as substitutes.