Para-Educator I (2024-25 School Year)

Summary :

Under the general direction of the site administration and a certificated staff member, the Special Education Para-Educator I will perform a variety of duties in support of instructional activities for students with disabilities who are enrolled in mild / moderate programs and / or general education classrooms, including individual and small group instruction.

The Special Education Para-Educator I will assist with classroom management, perform a variety of routine clerical and supportive activities for instructional personnel, and perform other related work activities as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

• Assist instructional personnel with the presentation of learning materials and instruction related functions.
• Under the supervision of a certificated special education teacher or specialist, assist in planning and conducting lessons and other classroom, small group, or one-to-one activities.
• Monitor and assist students with special learning needs in drill, practice, and study activities as a follow-up to the presentation of instructional lessons by instructional personnel.
• Direct students into safe learning activities and functions, and assist in shaping of appropriate social behaviors.
• Assist in the management of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and techniques.
• Confer with the special education teacher, School Psychologist, or specialist about necessary accommodations and / or modifications needed by individual students in the special and / or general education classroom.
• Monitor classroom activities when the teacher is briefly absent from the room.
• Accompany students going from one location to another.
• Assist in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aids.
• Maintain a variety of records and files, including confidential student records and information.
• Operate and assist students in the operation of a variety of instructional media.
• Monitor and assist in the remediation of specific learning problems.
• Assist with yard supervision.
• Assist students with activities to develop small muscle and eye-hand coordination.
• Help students with projects and work experience activities.
• Request appropriate assistance for serious pupil injury or illness.
• Maintain or assist in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment.
• Assist children with special physical needs.
• Assist in the development of communication skills, using manual communication, with children who experience language and hearing disorders.
• Under the supervision of certificated staff, assist in the implementation of the students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Supervise students and assist in maintaining order on the yard, playground, lunch area, and during other school activities such as field trips.
• May assist with medical emergencies, perform first aid, and administer medication under the supervision of the District Nurse and following appropriate training.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Attend meetings and trainings required by the district.
• Perform other related duties in order to accomplish the objectives of the position as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Knowledge and Skills : and instructional materials used in each of the basic subjects and at various grade levels; basic understanding of special education program and its purpose;
• knowledge of subjects taught in the District schools, including mathematics, grammar, spelling, language and reading; strong communication skills in both formal and informal settings;
• good record-keeping, clerical and computer skills; ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups;
• ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with children and adults; ability to plan learning activities and deliver instruction under the guidance of appropriate certificated staff;

ability to provide curriculum modifications and accommodations as requested for individual students.

Abilities : Requires the ability to follow oral and written directions, and the ability to communicate with students and staff, using patience and courtesy, and in a manner that reflects positively on the District.

Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Education and Experience :

• High School diploma or GED.
• Six (6) months or more of paid or voluntary experience working with children.

Licenses and Certificates :

Compliance with District skill / competency requirements. Must be willing to obtain nonviolent crisis prevention training and maintain current certification.

Application Requirements :

• Resume
• High School diploma or GED.

Salary : $18.04 per hour

Hours : Varies