Summary

Special Education Paraprofessional

Description

Position:    Special Education Paraprofessional
Department:     Special Education         
Manager/Supervisor:  Academic Dean/Associate Director      
FLSA Status:  Full-time, 10 months, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Salary Range:  $18.00 – $25.00/Hourly Rate

POSITION SUMMARY: As a member of Excell Academy’s Academic Team, the Special Education Paraprofessional works with the Special Education Teacher and General Education Teacher in setting standards and laying a foundation of academic and social success for students grades K-8 by providing and supporting high quality, relevant educational instruction in a positive learning environment.  
 

COMMITMENT TO EXCELL’S CORE VALUES

 
As a member of Excell’s community, each staff member including the Special Education Paraprofessional commits to support the following mission statement of Excell Academy for Higher Learning:
 
Excell Academy of Higher Learning serves Pre-K to 8thgrade college-aspiring students with the promise to prepare them for higher education and positive productive citizenship. Delivering a “whole-child” equity-in-education approach that: is culturally inclusive; continuously monitors progress and achievement; offers individualized daily intervention and/or enrichment; offers social-emotional learning with behavioral restorative practices that build a growth mindset; and, builds deep community between our staff, students and families. 

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: 

  • A proven passion for working with urban and/or economically disadvantaged youth and an unshakeable belief in their potential
  • Demonstrated track record of successfully working with people of color and socio-economically disadvantaged communities AND/OR training in cultural competency and/or institutional racism
  • Computer competency in Microsoft Windows environment including word processing, e-mail, Internet, Excel, database management and recordkeeping
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks
  • Proficient in completing required duties accurately and efficiently according to established timelines 
  • Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with coworkers in a team environment
  • Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion with sensitive student and personnel information
  • Ability to identify and address the various needs of students throughout the learning environment

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

  • Demonstrated ability and temperament to work with students with a range of special needs including physical, emotional, etc.
  • Flexibility and ability to handle change and spontaneity
  • Demonstrated knowledge of effective teaching methods and developmentally appropriate classroom activities
  • Ability to maintain a positive, culturally inclusive learning environment for all students
  • Ability to learn and implement a restorative approach to conflict and to use a restorative approach when it comes to behavior management
  • Strong classroom management skills and ability to diffuse and resolve conflict with students, parents and co-workers by demonstrating problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues, by using judgment that is in consistent with Excell’s standards, practices, policies and procedures
  • Ability to maintain an attention to detail and the “big picture” simultaneously
  • Professional attire and professionalism in communicating with students, parents and staff 
  • Positive attitude that inspires others to achieve potential to advance system efficiencies and to establish a strong sense of community
  • Receptive to constructive feedback and actively seeks help and/or professional development in challenging areas
  • Team player who is flexible in responding to crisis and unanticipated needs of the school and the K-8 Education Director
  • Understanding and support for Excell’s vision and mission

 
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  • Special Education Programming
    • Tutor individual students or small groups of special education students to reinforce the Classroom Teacher’s lesson plan
    • Utilize adapted materials and behavior management systems as developed with collaboration with the general education teacher, special education teacher and special education paraprofessional
    • Meet the individual needs (behavioral, physical, social, academic, etc.) of students to whom you are assigned
    • Participate in weekly child study meetings as needed
    • Collaborate with special education and classroom teachers to monitor student progress and compliance as needed
    • Collaborate with special education and classroom teachers with specially designed instruction when necessary
    • Collect data and appropriate work samples as instructed
    • Administer diagnostic assessments as needed 
  • Academic Planning and Instruction  
    • Monitor work and supervise curriculum-based testing and assignments
    • Implement accommodations and modifications as determined by the Individualized Education Plan for the students with whom you are assigned
    • Support implementation of the Behavior Intervention Plans and implement behavior management strategies as outline on the Individualized Education Plan
    • Perform clerical and related support tasks to complete projects and prepare classroom materials as needed
    • Provide learning experiences that are culturally relevant and fun
    • Knowledgeable about the classroom subject matters 
  • Learning Environment & Classroom Management
    • Establish and maintain high expectations of self, students, coworkers and parents 
    • Establish and maintain safe, clean and orderly learning environment 
    • Establish and maintain standards of student behavior to achieve a classroom climate conducive for learning and student success
    • Create learning experiences that develop a growth mindset for our students. These experiences will build confidence and a strong sense of self-worth for students
    • Assist the Special Education and/or Classroom Teacher in managing a culturally inclusive classroom environment
    • Help maintain a class environment that meets the needs of the Whole Child, an environment that fosters integrated learning, thinking, cooperation, and personal and social growth
    • Assist Special Education and/or Classroom Teacher in anticipating and deescalating classroom conflicts and utilize a restorative approach to behavior management and conflict resolution
    • Uphold and enforce school rules and administrative policies
    • Assist the Special Education and/or Classroom Teacher in establishing rules and problem solving guidelines and help students take ownership for solving problems
    • Encourage students to feel capable and competent and build a sense of community by giving students classroom responsibilities that help develop productive citizenship within the school 
    • Supervise students during recess, breaks and lunch and escort students to various locations within the facility including to/from the bus, residence, and/or classrooms as needed
    • Participate on class field trips

 

  • Measurement and Reporting
    • Conduct formal and informal assessments of student performance on an ongoing basis
    • Assist Special Education and/or Classroom Teacher in collecting and reporting data on student’s academic and behavior progress
    • Maintain individual student records, files and reports of student academic progress through grade book in a manner that preserves confidentiality at all times as needed
    • Proctor standardized tests as needed 
  • Student/Family Communication & Relations
    • Treat parents as the students first and primary teacher with whom Excell is partnering to ensure students’ academic and social success  
    • Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with  students and parents and demonstrate sensitivity and cultural competence

 

  • Professional Development  
    • Maintain professional competence and continuous improvement through active engagement in relevant professional development opportunities
    • Make recommendations on how to effectively use community resources (e.g., guest speakers, etc.) to enhance the instructional program and learning experience
    • Actively participate in grade level academic team and/or special education team meetings as needed 
  • School Involvement
    • Actively participate at school events, including but not limited to, staff orientation, student/family orientation, annual meeting, open house, Core Knowledge Night, family information sessions, etc.
    • Monitor playground, busses, cafeteria and hallway duties as needed or directed

 

  • Mental and Physical Requirements
    • Ability to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time
    • Able to stoop, kneel, bend at waist and reach on a daily basis
    • Able to perform general office administrative activities such as copying, filing, using the telephone, etc.
    • Able to lift up to 25 pounds   
  • Other Duties
    • The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.  

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:  

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Associates of Arts (A.A.) degree preferred
  • At least two years of college credits OR successful completion of Parapro examination
  • Experience working with Special Education students preferred

 
               CERTIFICATE & LICENSURE:                    NA