Instructional Paraeducator 

Purpose: 

            The job of the Instructional Paraeducator was established for the purposes of assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of students with special needs in the regular education classroom, interrelated resource rooms or other special needs settings; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior; and providing information to appropriate school personnel, all under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher.

This position may work with students in Early Childhood settings, Elementary or Secondary classrooms, resource rooms, or with speech and school psych providers.  Additionally, this position may work with students with mild to moderate disabilities whom may also be deaf/hard of hearing, have visual impairments, and or other disabilities, and are able to be served in the general education setting. 

Responsible to: Special Education Teacher, District Administration; SEK 637 Administration

Experience:  Job related experience is desired.

Education/Qualifications:  High school diploma or equivalent.  Applicants must have 48 college hours or qualifying score on Master Teacher Online Exam within the first 90 days of employment, and 20 hours per year of in-service training are required.   All para educator positions are considered non-exempt, at will positions. 

Clearances: (Required upon offer of/and acceptance of employment)

• Criminal Background check
• Health and Inoculation Certificate on file in Central Office

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Wages:  Based on hourly rate, number of days worked, and completion of required trainings (9-month school calendar)

Essential Functions: 

• Adapts and provides accommodations of classroom activities; assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for special education students to actively participate in general education and/or resource room activities.
• Aids students in and out of classroom (e.g. packing backpacks, note taking, relationship building, field trips, social skills, etc.) for the purpose of providing assistance to students’ needs and social growth.
• Assists students requiring supports in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. diaper changing, potty training, lavatory, hand washing, nutritional, etc.) for the purpose of allowing students to function and maintain participation in the general education school environment.
• Participates in trainings (e.g. education strategies, specific disability education, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to the job functions to meeting established annual State requirements.
• Collaborates with staff for the purpose of providing necessary support and information related to the student’s progress as established in the Individual Education Plan under the direction of certified staff.
• Creates visual aids based on the level of the student’s visual impairment for the purpose of improving the student’s learning process (for para educators serving students with vision impairments).
• Implements educational and behavioral programming under the supervision of the classroom certified staff for the purpose of developing new skills for students.
• Assist students with challenging and/or aggressive behaviors in accordance with the general education policies, procedures, and the IEP. 
• Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings within the general education building (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc) for the purpose of meeting IEP goals under the direction of certified staff.
• Maintains instructional materials and data sheets for the purpose of ensuring availability of instructional materials and/or providing reliable information regarding student progress.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments and/or community environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, fire drills, assemblies, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive environment conducive to learning.
• Assist in establishing a positive learning environment, and respond to the individual needs of students.
• The ability to work cooperatively and demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with other paras, professionals, community agencies, and other groups.
• Assist in safeguarding confidential information, and observing confidentiality requirements.
• Use of appropriate behavior management techniques to maintain a positive climate for learning.
• Faithful, daily attendance and adherence to work schedules.
• Observe all district and interlocal policies during activities.
• Restrict cell phone usage to break and lunch times.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the educational team.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications:

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.  Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:  adhering to safety practices, operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and using district approved crisis intervention techniques. 

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; read and follow instructions; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:  instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/behavior; and safe handling of blood-borne pathogens and crisis de-escalation techniques.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, collect data;  and use basic, job-related equipment.  Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods.  Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals.  Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans.  Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:  communicating/collaboration with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; working with constant interruptions; and the ability to take constructive feedback.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions: 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions frequently require the following physical demands:  walking, sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and fine finger dexterity.  This position may also require some travel, the ability to work indoors/outdoors year around, as well as the ability to work in noisy, stressful, and crowded environments.