Paraprofessional

Position Summary:

• Paraprofessionals or Teacher Assistants are vital to ensuring that each student is fully engaged in the rich curriculum at an academy. Further, Teacher Assistants are provided with significant teaching opportunities and specific professional development activities designed to prepare these individuals for lead teaching in the future.

More than 50% of the time performing the following instructional duties and responsibilities:

• Teaches assigned subject(s) and lessons daily.
• Provides small group instruction to students.
• Provides one-on-one instruction to students.
• Tutors/mentors students on class concepts.
• While Lead Teacher instructs, circulates classroom with the purpose of providing students with individual help.
• Actively assists students with handwriting, spelling accuracy, and spelling rules during daily spelling lessons.
• Assists student with make-up work after approved absences.
• Provides short-term and long-term substitute teaching coverage for Lead Teachers.

Specific Responsibilities for Teacher Assistants:

• Observes Lead and Master Teachers to improve instructional techniques.
• Meet regularly with designated instructional coach to implement feedback on lessons and instruction.
• Participate in organized Teacher Assistant trainings on best practices for classroom management and instruction.
• Attend additional professional development activities for curricular training and coaching.
• Develop teaching skills to potentially become a Lead Teacher.

Non-Instructional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reads, knows, and supports the philosophy, policies, procedures, and other pertinent data of the school as published in the Faculty Handbook and the most current Family Handbook.
• Works with the Lead Teacher where assigned, understanding that support duties can occur in all classrooms.
• Shares ideas and insights with the classroom teacher and grade level staff that support improvement and learning.
• Supports and enforces the school dress and behavior codes and makes reasonable efforts to promote the orderly behavior of all students in the school, on the grounds, and at off-campus school activities.
• Keeps accurate records and makes reports as required by the classroom teacher and the Headmaster.
• Avails oneself of learning opportunities by contributing to lesson planning and lesson preparation, grading of student work, being active in supporting the execution of lessons.
• Attend Open Houses, special school events (such as concerts) and designated staff meetings. Only the Headmaster can excuse a faculty member from these responsibilities.
• Accepts and faithfully executes monitoring and duty assignments.
• Participates in faculty development on designated days.
• Keeps the workplace and classrooms neat and orderly. Exercises care in the use of the school equipment.
• Follows school policies and procedures, including the Academy Crisis Plan, for ensuring the safety and security of students on campus.
• Participates in regular annual performance evaluations with the Headmaster accepting advice and recommendations for improvement.
• Is an active member of the community of learners, and continues to pursue his or her own professional growth and development by taking graduate courses and/or attending seminars and workshops related to the profession.
• Pursue excellence in teaching and continues to develop their knowledge of the great ideas and work of Western Civilization.
• Is actively involved in promoting to the greater community the mission and goals of the academy.
• Attends all Independence Classical Academy professional development opportunities including New Faculty Orientation.

Qualifications, Competencies, and Strengths:

• Has attained the age of 18 years at the date of hire.
• High school diploma, and either 2 years of study at a postsecondary educational institution OR associate's degree.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Certification is not required to teach at Independence Classical Academy. ICA teachers, whether certified or not, demonstrate a commitment to and love for the liberal arts.
• Fingerprint Clearance: shall have a valid Department of Public Safety IVP fingerprint clearance card.

Physical Functions:

• Must be able to stand for 25% of the time.
• May frequently move around the classroom, position self to be level with student desks and communicate accurate information and converse with others for 75% of the time.

Work Environment:

• May be required to move or position equipment up to 10-15 pounds.
• May be exposed to outdoor weather.

Equipment Used:

• Some computer use is expected.

Some travel may be required for special events and/or field trips.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Independence Classical Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person