PARAPROFESSIONAL

Mission Contribution:

To assist teachers in instructing and supervising the activities of students to provide a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment to support the organization’s mission.

Function:

The position is responsible for assisting assigned teachers in preparing instructional materials, preparing classrooms for activities, supervising and assisting in the classroom and in other areas of the school, reinforcing classroom lessons, and providing other assistance as requested; incumbents may be responsible for providing assistance to special needs students or coordinating special projects and programs as assigned. The position works under direct supervision according to set procedures.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Aids assigned teachers in maintaining a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom for the benefit of both teachers and students.
• Assist students with exercises and class activities; concentrate efforts with small groups of students and individuals as necessary.
• Compiles, prepares, and organizes materials and classrooms for instruction and classroom activities.
• Assists in cleaning and storing of materials after completion of activities.
• Reinforces all knowledge and skills taught by the classroom teacher.
• Assists teachers by maintaining student records, recording daily attendance, grading assignments, administering standardized tests, recording and/or analyzing test scores/grades, substituting as needed, setting up special projects, escorting children to other areas of the school, monitoring student behavior, running errands.
• May coordinate and/or participate in special programs or projects as assigned.
• Receives and responds to inquiries from parents and others; assists in preparing notes and placing phone calls to parents as necessary.
• Attends staff meetings as required; participates in in-service training programs; keeps abreast of developments in areas of assignment.
• Performs routine clerical tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and records, copying, and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing notices and newsletters, receiving and responding to e-mails.
• Assists with new student orientation. Ensures students who are new to the school can adapt to school expectations and make progress on academic work.
• Establishes student accounts and tracks relevant student/school data/staff performance to set improvement and/or achievement goals and to drive future evaluation and feedback. Ensures the student information system is accurate and up to date.
• Collects, records, and sends student assignments to appropriate destinations.
• Monitors testing and independent study time. Assists with attendance keeping.
• Maintains office equipment and remedies malfunctions.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Able to work at a usually hectic pace with irregular short deadlines and limited number of critical or unusual situations.
• Operate standard office equipment and material handling equipment.
• Ability to address safety and security concerns.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Minimum of high school diploma required. Associates degree preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to work occasionally after-hours and weekends. 
• Ability to bend, reach and stand, and lift up to twenty-five pounds on an occasional basis.