26/27 Makerspace Paraprofessional

Primary Purpose

The MakerSpace Paraprofessional works independently with groups of students during scheduled MakerSpace classes while operating under the general supervision of the campus principal or designee and in accordance with district-approved instructional plans and expectations.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate

Have met formal academic assessment, associate's degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning (if college hours are not held, an academic assessment is available once hired)

Valid Texas educational aide certificate (obtained once hired)

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to effectively supervise and manage groups of students
• Ability to facilitate prepared lessons and learning activities
• Interest in STEM, technology, engineering, design, art, robotics, coding, fabrication, or hands-on learning
• Ability and willingness to learn the operation of MakerSpace technology, tools, and equipment
• Strong organizational and classroom-management skills
• Ability to communicate instructions clearly to students
• Ability to encourage student creativity, independence, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Ability to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment
• Ability to troubleshoot routine technology and equipment issues
• Basic computer and technology skills
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment within established guidelines
  
  

Experience

Experience working with children preferred

Major Responsibilities And Duties

MakerSpace Instruction and Facilitation

• Facilitate scheduled MakerSpace classes and learning activities using lessons, activities, and materials provided or approved by the district or campus.
• Present directions, expectations, procedures, and activity objectives to students.
• Guide students through hands-on projects, design challenges, experiments, technology activities, and other MakerSpace experiences.
• Demonstrate the appropriate use of materials, tools, technology, and equipment.
• Assist students in understanding and completing assigned MakerSpace activities.
• Encourage students to plan, design, create, build, test, evaluate, revise, and improve their work.
• Promote creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving.
• Ask questions and provide appropriate prompts that encourage students to develop solutions independently rather than completing tasks for them.
• Provide assistance and support to individual students and groups as needed.
• Modify the pace or delivery of activities within established lesson expectations based on student needs.
• Reinforce concepts and skills incorporated into provided MakerSpace lessons.
• Maintain an engaging, student-centered learning environment.
• Communicate concerns regarding lessons, student needs, materials, or instructional activities to the appropriate campus administrator or designated professional staff member.
  
  

Student Supervision and Management

• Assume responsibility for the direct supervision of students assigned to the MakerSpace during scheduled class periods and activities.
• Establish and communicate clear expectations for student behavior, participation, movement, and use of MakerSpace resources.
• Maintain appropriate student behavior and an environment conducive to learning.
• Actively monitor students throughout all MakerSpace activities.
• Redirect inappropriate behavior and reinforce campus expectations and procedures.
• Follow campus student-management procedures and seek administrative assistance when necessary.
• Maintain accurate student attendance or participation records as assigned.
• Ensure appropriate student transitions into and out of the MakerSpace.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information in accordance with district policy and applicable law.
  
  

Safety

• Maintain a safe environment for students participating in MakerSpace activities.
• Teach, demonstrate, and reinforce safety procedures before students use equipment, tools, technology, or specialized materials.
• Actively monitor student use of MakerSpace tools and equipment.
• Ensure students use only equipment and materials appropriate for the assigned activity and their level of training.
• Immediately intervene when unsafe behavior or practices are observed.
• Inspect work areas and equipment for potential hazards.
• Promptly report damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, accidents, or injuries to campus administration.
• Follow district procedures for accident and injury reporting.
• Ensure required safety equipment and personal protective equipment are used when appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate storage and security of equipment, tools, and materials.
• Participate in training required to safely operate MakerSpace equipment.
  
  

Collaboration and Communication

• Review provided lesson plans and materials in advance to ensure readiness for upcoming activities.
• Communicate with designated teachers, instructional staff, or administrators regarding upcoming MakerSpace lessons and activities as needed.
• Notify appropriate staff when lesson directions, materials, equipment, or expectations require clarification.
• Communicate student successes, concerns, behavioral issues, safety concerns, or instructional needs to appropriate campus personnel.
• Collaborate with campus staff regarding special projects, showcases, STEM events, clubs, competitions, family events, or other MakerSpace activities.
• Maintain positive and professional communication with students, staff, parents, and community members.
  
  

Other

• Assist with office and workroom clerical duties as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development, faculty meetings, and special events as needed.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Posture: Frequent standing; moderate kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping

Motion: Moderate walking

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional moderate lifting and carrying (15–44 pounds)

Environment: Work inside; may occasionally work outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Other Information

The District contributes $330 per month toward the cost of employee-only health insurance, which is $105 more than the state-required amount of $225/month. All employees in this position receive free treatment at any Next Level Urgent Care.

Position Type: Full-Time

Days: 10-month/181 Days

Pay Grade: 201 starting at $13.80/hr