Position: Paraprofessional Educator

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, in a school or related tutorial program, performs tasks, which are in support of the teaching-learning process. This class is characterized by the performance of duties involved in the implementation of teacher plans and instructional programs. The Paraprofessional Educator may be assigned to assist one or more teachers on a regular or as required basis in the planning and conducting of appropriate programs to reinforce the teacher's initial instructions. Work is performed under the direction and leadership of the classroom teacher and/or assisting teachers and principals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with individual and groups of students to reinforce instructions previously initiated by the teacher: Prepares instructional plans and instructional materials; provides personalized attention and assistance to students to develop or improve skills in the academic, technical or specialized areas of instruction to which assigned; provides appropriate activities, discussions, practice and drill work; shows films and filmstrips and employs other audio-visual equipment as required;
• Works with teachers: Assists in guiding class discussions; assists students experiencing difficulties; takes charge of a group of students working on a project; provides activities for the class while the teacher is working with a small group or is otherwise engaged;
• Confers regularly with teacher(s) to discuss plans, receives professional guidance and facilitates professional evaluation of student's progress;
• May attend faculty meetings, aide meetings, workshops, and in-service sessions; accompanies and helps with the supervision of the class on field trips;
• Assumes continuing responsibility for maintaining an attractive, interesting area in which to work with students; shares in performance of routine housekeeping, monitoring and clerical tasks;
• Maintains a professional code of ethics; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Good understanding of the field of child development, and of instructional methods and techniques;
• Ability to learn new methods and techniques;
• Considerable patience and ability to work with children;
• Ability to work harmoniously with and provide a broad range of assistance to the instructional staff; and
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Conferred Associate’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university required. A minimum of two (2) years of volunteer or paid experience working with children. 

Certification:

None required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None.