JOB TITLE:                 Instructional Paraprofessional

QUALIFICATIONS:    Minimum High School diploma or GED and

Two years postsecondary education (60 semester hours/90 quarter hours) or

an Associate Degree or an acceptable score on the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment;

a valid GA Paraprofessional Certificate; experience in working with children is preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff            
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse groups
  • Ability to lift a student up to a weight of 60 pounds without assistance
  • Ability to demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality
  • Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in all situations and must be able to withhold confidential information
  • Ability to respond to changing situations in the workplace and exhibit flexibility
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently under varying deadlines and adapt to changing work priorities
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and with frequent interruptions
  • Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative in dealing with students, faculty, and parents/guardians 

REPORTS TO: Under the general supervision of the principal or program director and under the specific supervision of the classroom teacher

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:                                   

• Monitors students’ progress
• Administers tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting student needs in the classroom
• Supports student(s) with emotional or behavioral concerns and assists in developing appropriate social skills
• Supports, implements and/or reinforces whole group teacher-developed instruction in the resource, self-contained and/or regular classroom settings
• Monitors students and redirects off-task students
• Provides individual assistance to students when needed
• Tutors individual and/or small groups of students
• Prepares student-specific materials and adapts as necessary
• Supports implementation of accommodations, including acceleration or remediation of instruction
• Assists the classroom teacher with record keeping and data collection
• Exhibits patience and kindness toward students
• Models appropriate communication skills for students
• Treats students and adults with respect
• Disciplines students with fairness and equity
• Assists in supervising and monitoring students to maintain orderly conduct and safety
• Assists students with toileting, feeding, and/or other physical care or health care, as needed
• Participates in team meetings when requested
• Maintains a professional attitude and works cooperatively with others. Remains professional; refrains from gossiping with or about other staff members, students, or parents.
• Participates in on-going training activities and professional learning to maintain Paraprofessional certificate
• Demonstrates initiative in learning new tasks
• Maintains confidentiality at all times
• Assumes a lead role with the substitute teacher when the classroom teacher is absent
• Displays a loyal commitment to the school system and contributes toward upholding the educational philosophy of the school
• Complies with all local, state, and federal regulations and policies
• Performs other duties as assigned by the principal, classroom teacher or other designee