What are the responsibilities and job description for the Founding Early Childhood Para-Professional position at Santa Fe South Public Schools?
Founding Early Childhood Para-Professional
Job Description and Summary of Responsibilities
At Santa Fe South’s newest elementary school, Para-Professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the academic success and growth of our students. As part of our founding team, Para-Professionals will work closely with Lead Teachers to provide individualized support that enhances student mastery and fosters a nurturing classroom environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support Instructional Excellence:
- Work alongside Lead Teachers to provide high-quality, differentiated instruction in reading, mathematics, and other core subjects.
- Assist in the implementation of lesson plans and activities that promote skill development and academic growth for each student.
- Provide small-group or one-on-one support to students, focusing on areas where they need the most assistance, especially in foundational skills like reading and math.
- Classroom Management and Culture:
- Help maintain a positive, safe, and joyful classroom environment that encourages student engagement, respect, and responsibility.
- Reinforce classroom routines, behavior expectations, and procedures to ensure a structured and productive learning atmosphere.
- Support the development of a growth mindset by assisting students in viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning.
- Individualized Support and Student Mastery:
- Assist in providing targeted interventions and personalized attention to students, especially those who need additional support to meet academic goals.
- Track and monitor student progress through formative assessments and daily interactions, providing feedback to Lead Teachers on individual student needs.
- Work with students who may require additional practice to master specific skills, ensuring that no student is left behind.
- Collaboration with Lead Teachers:
- Collaborate closely with Lead Teachers to develop and refine instructional strategies and share insights about student progress.
- Participate in regular team meetings to discuss student performance, strategies for improvement, and classroom goals.
- Support the overall classroom culture by engaging in open communication with students, Lead Teachers, and families.
- Professional Development:
- Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge of educational practices, student needs, and strategies for effective instruction.
- Seek feedback and engage in reflective practices to continuously improve skills and support student success.
Key Qualifications:
- A strong belief in the potential of every student
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a passion for supporting students in their academic and social development.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and follow the guidance of Lead Teachers.
- A positive, patient, and flexible attitude with a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.
- Previous experience in education or a related field preferred but not required.
- Ability to speak Spanish is highly preferred but not required.
- High school diploma or GED
- Meets 1 of the following requirements:
- Completion of at least 48 college credit hours.
- Possession of an associate's degree (or higher).
- Successful completion of the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).
- Passing score on the Praxis ParaPro Assessment (455 or higher).
- Achievement of a Bronze level or higher on the WorkKeys Assessment.
- Physical Abilities:
- Lift up to 25 pounds, unassisted