English as a Second Language Paraprofessional

English as a Second Language (ESL) Paraprofessional Job Description

Objectives of this Role

• Provide instructional support to English Learners under the direction of a certified teacher.
• Reinforce English language development through speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities.
• Support students in accessing grade-level curriculum using appropriate language accommodations and instructional strategies.
• Serve as a positive role model while maintaining high professional and ethical standards.
• Foster an inclusive, culturally responsive learning environment that values students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• Assist in monitoring student progress toward English language proficiency goals.
• Participate as a collaborative member of the educational team to improve student achievement.

Essential Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Provide small-group and individual instruction to English Learners as directed by the ESL teacher and/or classroom teacher.
• Reinforce language development lessons aligned to Michigan English Language Development Standards and WIDA English Language Development Standards.
• Support students in developing academic vocabulary, reading comprehension, oral language, writing, and listening skills.
• Assist students with classroom assignments while encouraging the use of English in meaningful academic contexts.
• Use visual supports, manipulatives, graphic organizers, sentence frames, and other instructional strategies to increase student understanding.
• Assist in implementing accommodations identified for English Learners.
• Encourage student engagement and participation in classroom instruction.
• Support multilingual learners while promoting independence and confidence.

Collaboration

• Collaborate regularly with the ESL teacher, classroom teachers, interventionists, and administrators regarding student progress.
• Participate in planning meetings, professional learning, and staff meetings as requested.
• Communicate observations regarding student progress to the supervising teacher.
• Support family engagement activities and parent conferences as requested, while maintaining confidentiality.

Student Progress

• Assist in monitoring student growth and documenting instructional support provided.
• Maintain accurate records required for Title I, Section 31a, and English Learner programming.
• Complete required documentation, including PARS logs and other district-required records.
• Assist with preparing instructional materials and organizing resources for language instruction.

Classroom Environment

• Help maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
• Reinforce classroom expectations and positive behavior support consistent with the school's PBIS framework.
• Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, instructional materials, and facilities.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and information.

Student Supervision Responsibilities

• Arrive on time for all assigned duties.
• Remain actively engaged and supervise students during assigned instructional and non-instructional times.
• Assist with arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, hallway, and other supervisory duties as assigned.
• Report concerns regarding student safety, behavior, attendance, or academic performance to the supervising teacher or building administrator.
• Promote respectful interactions and positive student behavior at all times.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One of the following:
• • Associate's Degree; or
  • Minimum of 60 college credit hours; or
  • Passing score of 460 or higher on the ETS ParaPro Assessment.
• Ability to work effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse students.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Reports To

• Building Principal
• English Learner (EL/ESL) Teacher
• Assigned Classroom Teacher

Performance Responsibilities

• State & Federal Duties along with general fund duties (i.e. lunch/recess duty, arrival/dismissal duties)
• Must complete PARS log.