Paraprofessional

JOB TITLE: Paraprofessional LOCATION: District or assigned building SUPERVISOR: Classroom Teacher, Principal, Director of Student Services FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt UNION/NON-UNION: Non-Union Link: Classified Staff Pay Scale and Benefits

JOB SUMMARY:

The paraprofessional assists the classroom teacher in performing duties necessary to the proper functioning of the classroom. The paraprofessional may be assigned as a classroom assistant or as a one-on-one assistant to a particular student.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To excel in this role, the individual must meet the following key responsibilities: Instructional

• Assists in the organization of assignments and adaptations of materials.
• Follows specific instructional strategies and plans to support student learning and independence.
• Provides individual or small group instruction, as prescribed.
• Communicates in an effective and positive manner with colleagues, learners, and visitors.
• Assists professionals in various aspects of implementing instructional/thematic/therapeutic plans, behavior intervention plans.
• Facilitates and supports learners in a variety of settings (e.g. general education classes, community based activities, work experience sites, etc.).
• Participates in collection of assessment data and documentation.
• Confers with professionals on a regular basis regarding learner expectations and outcomes and student/program needs.
• Supports learners during transitions between classes and activities.
• Assists students with bathroom/hygiene needs
• Assists students on/off the bus.
• Assists with playground duties.

Classroom Management

• Assists with daily tasks and record-keeping related to student attendance forms, clerical needs, files, inventory, supplies, etc.
• Facilitates learner-use of computers, augmentative systems and various equipment for instructional purposes.

Staff Roles

• Maintains a high level of confidentiality with respect to work-related and student information.
• Conforms to specific guidelines of the assigned program.
• Performs specialized functions, requiring certification or additional training, required by specific program or student (positioning, lifting, physical restraint, feeding).
• Participates in staff development opportunities.
• Demonstrates knowledge of first aid and health related/emergency procedures.
• Demonstrates professionalism.
• Follows procedures and policies established by Steger School District.

Professionalism

• Follows policies and procedures of Steger School District.
• Demonstrates professionalism while setting examples for students.
• Demonstrates continual assessment of personal and program effectiveness, responds effectively to feedback.
• Actively participates in the evaluation process.
• Demonstrates flexibility and is adaptable to change.
• Uses judgment appropriately.
• Conducts self in an appropriate and ethical manner.
• Treats others with respect and dignity.
• Participates in professional growth activities.
• Maintains a clean work area.
• Dress appropriately.

Communication Skills Performs as an integral member of the educational team. Maintains confidentiality in matters related to this position. Relates in a helpful, positive, and efficient manner with peers, supervisors, and all those in contact with the Steger School District. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Additional tasks as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: The role requires frequent talking, bending, lifting, stooping, sitting, walking and standing. Ability to lift 25 lbs. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment is generally stable, with minimal exposure to unusual temperatures, noise, or hazards. The position requires extended and non-traditional hours to fulfill job duties, as well as participation in organization-sponsored events and meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be at least 20 years of age and show proof of one (1) of the following requirements:

a. ISBE Paraprofessional License, or b. An Associate’s degree or higher, or c. 60 semester hours of coursework, or d. High School diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS ParaPro test, or e. High School diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT WorkKeys test: Applied Math – 4 Workplace Documents - 4

• Experience working with children
• State of Illinois Professional Educators License with Paraprofessional Endorsement

LICENSES/CREDENTIALS:

Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Paraprofessional Endorsement

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• 181 days
• 6.67 or 7.33 hours per day
• Twelve sick days per year
• Four personal days per year
• Vacation days as stated in Policy 5:330

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

• Two evaluations will be conducted during the first year of employment (45 and 90 days).
• After the probationary period, evaluations will be completed in accordance with administrative procedures.