What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Paraprofessional position at Genesee Education Consultant Services?
Position: Classroom Paraprofessional
Employed By: GECS
Reports to: Assigned Teacher/Respective Dean of Academics
Duty Year: School Year, Academic Year
Job Summary:
The Paraprofessional is responsible for assisting the teacher in providing a safe, stimulating, and nurturing classroom environment for all students.
Description of Duties:
Student Academic Achievement
- Support and assist the classroom teacher in implementing the goals and objectives of the Academy’s curriculum and philosophy
- Willingly lead classroom activities as directed by the classroom teacher
- Assist the classroom teacher in creating smooth transitions from one activity to another
- Assist the classroom teacher in the preparation of materials and activities for the classroom
Classroom Management
- Execute appropriate and positive discipline strategies in the classroom when directed by the classroom teacher
- Assist in the supervision of students during lunch, recess, when students are entering or leaving buses or while otherwise on Academy premises, including duty with extended day before and/or after regular school hours within the duty day as directed by the classroom teacher or administrator
- Apply Academy and classroom rules consistently and effectively
- Utilize positive and preventive discipline when directed by the classroom teacher
- Motivate and engage students
- Communicate expectations to students clearly
- Establish and maintain a positive classroom environment and school community conducive to learning
- Manage emergency situations confidently and calmly
- Supervise students within the Academy setting and on Academy grounds
Professional Relationships
- Strive to meet the individual needs of the whole child in each area of development including their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs
- Motivate students to perform well and respond promptly to student needs
- Maintain a positive relationship with the students, classroom teacher, colleagues, administration, and staff
- Inspire respect and trust
- Maintain a positive attitude; follow instructions; respond to management direction; request support as needed
Commitment
- Demonstrate commitment to the organization
- Adhere to Academy policies and procedures
- Meet attendance and punctuality guidelines
- Demonstrate commitment to quality
- Contribute personal skills, talent and experiences to enhance the classroom
- Communicate effectively with classroom teacher, parents and other staff members
- Maintain the tidiness of the classroom and workspace
Accountability
- Meet set objectives
- Meet commitments, especially when they impact others
- Take responsibility for own actions
- Require minimum supervision and direction
- Identify problems promptly and offer alternative solutions
- Use resources efficiently and effectively
- Communicate to the classroom teacher any and all areas of concern regarding students; escalate to the Dean of Academics or Executive Director if necessary
Qualifications:
- Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment:
o Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or
o Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate
- Must have experience with students
- Criminal records clearance
Physical Demands & Work Environment
In order to successfully perform the essential duties of this job, the employee would ideally be able to meet the following physical demands:
- Occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Stand and walk frequently.
- Withstand all demands presented by outside weather conditions at any time of the year.
- Withstand a moderate noise level.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.