Paraprofessional

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: A letter of interest, resume, certifications, three (3) letters of recommendation less than one year old, Acts 34, 114, 151 clearances less than one year old, Act 24, Act 126 Certificate and Act 168 disclosure release(s).

Job Title:              Special Education Paraprofessional-Teacher Aide

Reports to:           Director of Pupil Services

Primary Purpose:

            To work under the direction of a certified staff member to support and assist in providing instructional programs and services to students with disabilities in order to provide them with help and support needed to benefit from their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Services may be provided in a special education class, regular education class or other instructional setting.

Qualifications:

          A Paraprofessional (Special Education Teacher Aide) must be Highly Qualified as required by Federal and State statutes. To be Highly Qualified, this person must have successfully completed 48 College Level Credits or pass a Highly Qualified Local Assessment.

Essential Functions:

• Reinforces assigned students behavior plan as instructed by the teacher. Performs reinforcement services and activities relating to cognitive, visual, auditory and motor skills as assigned by the teacher.    Assists teacher with students who may need physical management of behavior using safe, legal and accepted procedures.
• Assembles materials needed by teacher for daily instruction or student homework (spelling, math, language arts, etc.); makes any adaptations, as necessary per individual student needs; adapts/modifies by color coding/enlarging as needed; and modifies number of problems as set forth in the student’s IEP and directed by teacher.
• Assists assigned students in such physical tasks, moving from room to room and to other assigned areas. Performs simple errands and supportive tasks for assigned students such as sharpening pencils, or carrying lunch trays. Accompanies assigned students when trips to the office or to the school nurse are necessary. Assists with supervision of assigned students during play, recess and recreational activities.  Accompanies assigned students and assists teacher during emergency drills.
• Supervises assigned students during morning and afternoon bus duty, morning and afternoon hall duty, morning cafeteria duty or assists with students being dropped off by parents as directed by Building Principal. Knows the whereabouts of assigned students during all times of responsibility. 
• Serves as a resource person, if and when requested, to students personnel evaluation team conferring about one of the students to whom assigned.
• Monitors class performance or group work and prompts or redirects as necessary consistent with teacher direction.
• Abides by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, guidelines District policies and administrative regulations. Familiarizes self with assigned student(s) IEP including needed accommodations in area of responsibility.
• Accompanies teacher and assigned students on field trips or for community based instruction during the school day.
• Assists with organizational needs as directed.
• Collects data and keep daily communication information as directed to be reviewed by teacher before being sent to parent(s).
• Attends training as required for performance of the job. Completes and provides evidence of 20 hours per school year of staff development activities related to his/her assignment. 
• Assists assigned student(s) in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off of outerwear, moving from room to room and to other assigned areas.
• Facilitates personal care services as needed to assist student with daily living activities necessary for comfort and well-being as provided for in IEP or directed by teacher(s).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Performs in accordance with school policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws.

Temperament:

• Composure under stress
• Ability to work as a team member and independently
• Flexibility
• Multitasking
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills.

Specific Skills:

• Advanced Computer Skills

• Operate office equipment
• Planning/organization skills

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Follow written and verbal directions
• Work with minimal supervision
• Exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks
• Communicate effectively at all organizational level
• Perform duties according to District policies and state and federal regulations

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the applicable policies of the Ringgold School District.

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  The employee in this position will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required duties.

By providing references, you are allowing Ringgold School District to contact the listed individuals at any point to conduct a reference check.