SPED Paraprofessional / Instructional Assistant

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, a Paraprofessional assists certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives. This role is designed to support the classroom teacher by helping students access the general education curriculum, providing instructional support, and relieving teachers of non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls.

Essential Functions

• Curriculum and Instructional Support: Reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills. Work with students individually or in small groups to provide direct instructional support and reinforce learning. Assist professional staff in administering, grading, and correcting classroom exercises, tests, and assessments. Support classroom preparations and strategies that reinforce instructional materials tailored to students' individual needs.
• Classroom Behavioral Support: Assist with maintaining a safe, productive, and orderly classroom environment. Help manage student behavior to ensure that students stay on task, minimizing disruptions and promoting a positive learning environment. Support teachers in implementing behavior management strategies and maintaining effective classroom routines. Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• Record Keeping: Assist in maintaining accurate records for individual student needs and academic progress.
• Special Education Support: Assist students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction. Support students in achieving their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives, fostering inclusion. Provide assistance with daily living activities for students with physical or mental disabilities, as needed.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with teachers and other school staff to meet students' individual needs and contribute to the educational process. Assist teachers with communicating with parents and encouraging active participation in their child’s education.
• Educational Materials: Construct, copy, and distribute educational materials as required. Help ensure that students have the necessary supplies and resources for learning.
• Professional Development: Participate in relevant training and staff development opportunities to enhance professional skills and contribute effectively to the classroom.
• Non-Instructional Duties: Supervise students during non-instructional times such as lunch, recess, bus duty, and study hall. Accompany students on field trips to assist with supervision and safety.

Additional Duties

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.
• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions, reinforce learning concepts, and assist with classroom activities.
• Basic understanding of math operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and reading/language arts to assist students effectively.
• Ability to use personal computers and basic software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to support classroom discipline and promote a positive learning environment.
• Strong ability to establish supportive, compassionate relationships with students, teachers, and parents.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Familiarity with record-keeping procedures to document student performance and progress.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Educational Requirements and Certifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification: Completion of one of the following in addition to the high school diploma:
  • Associate’s Degree (or higher)
  • Successful completion of 60 hours of college-level coursework
  • Passing of the Paraprofessional Assessment
• Experience: Prior experience working with students is preferred.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Ability to work in a standard classroom and school environment.
• Ability to lift instructional materials and equipment as needed.
• May need to supervise students outdoors during activities such as recess or field trips.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt