English Learner (EL) Paraprofessional and Spanish Interpreter 2024-2025 School Year

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 
One (1), 8 hour/day position available at each Inver Grove School District site. Five total positions available. 
Schedule: Approximately 6 hours per day will be working as a paraprofessional, 2 hours per day will be working as a translator. 

JOB SUMMARY:
The EL Paraprofessional and Spanish Interpreter will assist English learner students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.  Assists school personnel and Spanish-speaking parents and students to communicate more effectively.  Work involves oral and written translation from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish.  Responsible for oral interpretation translations during parent/teacher and parent/administrator conferences, during administration of tests to students, and during emergency situations in which language is a barrier for resolving the situation.  Responsible for written translations from English to Spanish for such purposes as notification regarding school activities, student progress, disciplinary actions, etc.  Responsible for written translation from Spanish to English for such purposes as translation school records, medical records, notes from parents, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
English Learner Paraprofessional (75%)

• Assists English learner students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts. 
• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for English learners under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives. 
• Administers tests, homework assignments, make up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom. 
• Implements, under the supervision of the teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts. 
• Communicates with teachers and other personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress. 
• Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings as appropriate by building/grade level (e.g. restrooms, hallways, cafeteria, assemblies, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment. 
• Promotes good study habits and student independence for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes 
• Relate to students in a patient, supportive and warm manner; intervene with students in crisis in a calm and empathic manner.
• Work cooperatively with staff, other professionals and parents.

Building Interpreter/Translator (25%)

• Interpret/Translate written documents from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English.
• Interpret/Translate orally from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English during conferences, IEP meetings, telephone calls, testing, information gathering from other school districts, emergency situations, etc.

Cultural Advocacy

• Assists Spanish-speaking students and their families with school processes.
• Communicate with appropriate EL teachers, classroom teachers and other district staff personnel as necessary on academic matters.
• Promote family attendance and involvement in school conferences and events.
• As requested by district staff, provide select home/site visit assistance to families.
• Promote full consideration of individual needs of culturally diverse learners in the academic environment.
• Provide information to the district, students, parents and community to promote cultural awareness and ensure effective partnerships.
• Performs other related work as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• A high school diploma or GED and one of the following:
  • An AA, AS, AAS (or higher) degree, or Two years of post-secondary coursework (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) from an accredited institution of higher education which are applicable toward a bachelor’s degree, or
  • Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment.  (For more information on the ParaPro Assessment, contact Educational Testing Service at 1-800-772-9476 or www.ets.org/parapro)

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• 40 hour community interpreter certification or comparable certification preferred. Required within one year of employment. 

Required Knowledge and Skills
Required Knowledge:

• Requires the ability to speak in Spanish and English to convey or exchange information.
• Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, etc. in English and Spanish. 
• Requires the ability to write using standard conventions in English and Spanish.

Required Skills:

• Considerable knowledge of both the Spanish and English languages.
• Skill in translating spoken words from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English at a normal speaking rate.
• Ability to translate verbal messages to written documents and written documents to verbal messages in both Spanish and English.
• Ability to adapt language based on the level of the student and parent.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

PAY AND BENEFITS:
The rate of pay for this position is $21.57 per hour for paraprofessional work and $35.00 per hour for spanish translation work.  Paraprofessionals/translators work during the school day when students are present.  Insurance benefits are available to full and part-time employees who work at least twenty hours per week.

 

Inver Grove Heights Community Schools is an equal opportunity employer and supports an inclusive workplace environment.