Paraeducator

Paraeducator (2024-2025 School Year)

Job Title: Paraeducator

Position Function: Paraeducators help to deliver educational programs in the elementary or secondary educational systems. Their role is vital in today's classroom. The main function of the Paraeducator is to support the teacher working with individual or groups of students. The Paraeducator is assigned to meet the needs of specific students and/or program needs within the school. They work alongside and under the guidance of teacher(s) who is ultimately responsible for the education of all students in the class and the Paraeducator serves as a support. The development of the Paraeducator role is to link academic assistance, communication and/or understanding between the school, classroom teacher, families and community by assisting at the school conference, gathering or events.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Will spend a large portion of their time in the classroom
• Assists students with lessons under direct supervision of the classroom teacher
• Is genuinely committed to helping children learn - assist students and reinforce concepts for individuals or small groups
• Works with teachers to modify activities to meet individual student's needs
• Assists teachers in monitoring, collecting data, and maintaining records regarding student performance and progress
• Assists in the maintenance of learning areas and/or learning centers and instructional materials and use appropriate educational technology and resources
• Displays patience and understanding while managing children
• Displays ability to work in demanding situations and still maintain a sense of order
• Understands and is sensitive to the obstacles facing the children under supervision. Teach self-help, problem solving and/or coping skills
• Recognizes individual learning styles and become knowledgeable of the characteristics of learners you serve (e.g., cultural background, language proficiency, mobility and family dynamics)
• Challenges students to fulfill their potential
• Documents parent contacts and inform appropriate personnel. Many contacts are required for students' supplemental services
• Is an active part of an educational team within the students you serve
• Demonstrates knowledge of various philosophies and theories of education
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills in working within a multidisciplinary context

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited to no travel required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Be able to work in various weather conditions
• Be able to react immediately to an emergency situation for the safety and welfare of the students and staff, which may include the use of physical restraint technique
• Be able to walk long distances, stand for long periods, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps and reach overhead
• Possess the manual dexterity, physical ability and stamina for a full day of physical activity
• Be able to see and hear well
• Additional demands upon request of Supervisor
• Able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 20 pounds on a regular basis

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Maintain high level of confidentiality of information regarding students and staff information and issues
• Model appropriate behavior for students
• Develop and maintain a professional rapport with classroom teacher and other staff
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students, staff, and parents
• Observe and chart student behavior and assist in discipline of student as instructed by the teacher
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and organize
• Assist with grading, marking papers and checking homework
• Assist students to and from buses and assisting the drivers until departure time
• Assist in the transportation of students
• Assist in caring for student's medical needs when under the direct supervision of the school nurse or other appropriate professional
• Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information
• Ability to communicate effectively with a Supervisor when their discretion is needed
• Ability to perform as an effective team player
• Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the building
• Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude
• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Display a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Paras working in a Title School must have a minimum of 48 accredited college credits verifiable with a transcript or pass a state approved assessment
• Some positions require in-service, training or course work in first aide, symptoms of child abuse, and/or symptoms and signs of illness

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt