Part-time Middle School Paraeducator

OSAGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Paraeducator

The mission of the Osage Community School is to sustain and enhance

a caring community to produce enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

JOB SUMMARY

Reports to:  Classroom Teacher(s) and Building Administrator

Summary:  Responsible for assisting, supporting, and working closely with teachers and other team members in providing educational support in the classroom and with students at the direction of the classroom teacher(s).

RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests and abilities.
• Operates and cares for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes.
• Helps students master equipment or instructional materials assigned by the teacher.
• Administers, scores, and records such achievement and diagnostic tests as the teacher recommends for individual students.
• Distributes and collects workbooks, papers and other materials for instruction.
• Guides independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work set up and assigned by the teacher.
• Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods and field trips.
• Assists in keeping bulletin board and other classroom learning displays up to date.
• Reads to students, listens to students read, and participates in other forms of oral communication with students.
• Assists students in the media center.
• Checks notebooks, corrects papers, and supervises testing and make-up work as assigned by the teacher.
• Checks and records student attendance.
• Collects and records collection of money.
• Helps students with their clothing.
• Assists with lunch, snack, and clean-up routines.
• Assists with wash-up and toilet routines.
• Alerts the teacher to any problems or special information about an individual student.
• Serves as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of a fully licensed teacher.
• Participates in in-service training programs as assigned.
• Discusses assigned teaching area with classroom teacher(s) to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Plans, prepares, and develops various teaching aids, such as bibliographies, charts, and graphs at the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Under the supervision and with instruction of the teacher, assists in individual, small and large group instruction.
• Supervises students on the playground, in the lunchroom, restrooms, halls, media center and in those areas as requested.
• Monitors classes during teacher absences of short duration.
• Operates audio-visual equipment and other technological devices with ease.
• Knows emergency procedures for the building and classrooms.
• Contributes to an effective and efficient school district.
• Demonstrates the understanding and acceptance of similarities and differences among individuals and groups regardless of their age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status or familial status.
• Works courteously and cooperatively with other staff members regardless of their age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status or familiar status.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with district employees, the general public, and outside agencies.
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively, and respectfully with parent and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability.
• Knowledge of processes to address cultural diversity and associated issues related to student performance and instructional methodology.
• Demonstrated experience as a self-starter
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Effective, professional, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to take direction and follow through with expectations from the classroom teacher(s) and/or the building administrator.
• Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
• Self-directed with ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously so tasks are completed in a reasonable manner
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Effective keyboarding and proofreading skills
• Team player
• Detail oriented
• Problem solver

SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Paraeducator Certification from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners preferred but not required (Depending on position); all positions will be encouraged to complete certification within one year of hire.
• Aptitude for the work to be performed.
• Interest in children and education.
• Desire to assist students with special needs in a learning environment.
• Emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
• Previous experience preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer; to see and read a computer screen and printed materials with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone; physical agility to lift up to 15 lbs. to height and up to 25 lbs. to waist height; ability to bend, stoop, walk and reach overhead.

ADA accommodations may be requested.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment, outside on the playground and may include duties performed on field trips away from the school.  Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by dust or other materials.  Outside working conditions would be representative of Iowa weather conditions that would be suitable for classroom students out for recess.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract.