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