ParaEducator - Special Education, Resource Room​/Supervision

JOB SUMMARY

The Para educator(Special Education) provides support and assistance in meeting the instructional, educational, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students receiving special education services. The duties of the position may vary based upon specific assignment. Duties may also change at any time based upon administration or teacher reevaluation of student or program need.

• Supports teachers in meeting the instructional, educational, behavioral, and social emotional needs of students with disabilities.
• Provide instructional support and assistance in teaching and learning as needed in small or large group situations to reinforce learning objectives.
• Assist teachers with various duties related to the instruction of students such as observing, recording data, charting behavior, and classroom preparation
• Follow and implement plans, procedures, strategies, or tasks as directed by an administrator or certificated staff
• Follow district and local governing agency policies for protecting the health, safety, and well-being of children.
• Assist in maintaining safety, behavior, decorum, and order in common areas including, but not limited to, cafeteria, playground, corridors, study halls, gymnasium, auditorium, locker rooms, parking lots, crosswalks, detention rooms, and school busses
• Understand and utilize the behavior management plans of the classrooms, building and programs being supported.
• Provide any information requested by teachers/administrators for development of the IEP.
• Assist in preparation of materials that are designated as needed in the lesson plan.
• Understand and utilize the behavior management plans of the classrooms, building and programs being supported.
• Assist teacher with crisis intervention while following a student’s individual behavior plan or ERP (Emergency Response Plan) as written by IEP team
• Work collaboratively with the Special Education teacher, classroom teachers and other para educators.
• Communicate with Special Education teachers regarding questions, concerns or comments related to students’ academic and social progress.
• Communicate with Special Education teacher regarding questions about support and/or instructional plans for students.
• Learn and apply approaches/strategies to use when working with students in an instructional setting
• Demonstrate interest in working with students, including those with special needs
• Encourage and model expected behavior
• Fade supports to individual students, as directed by teacher(s). Document fading of supports per student’s IEP, as directed by teacher(s).
• May assist in collection of data on student mastery of behavior goals/objectives using criteria/checklist developed by special educator.
• Build and maintain a positive, caring relationship with all students
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with all members of the school community
• Demonstrate sensitivity and respect for diversity among all members of the school/department or district community
• Keep documentation and maintain organized records on a daily basis
• Participate in training courses in order to enhance skills
• Perform basic computer skills such as word processing and email
• Report to assigned duty areas promptly and reliably
• Remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Provide first aid in case of illness and/or injury and report accidents to the building office.
• Perform other duties as directed by the building principal

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain promptly

Para educators shall be required to be highly qualified upon hire into a continuing position as defined by state law.

• Completed at least 2 years of study totaling 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university; OR
• Obtained an associates (or higher) degree; OR
• Completed and passed the ETS Para Pro Praxis Assessment (qualifiying score of at least 455); OR
• Completed and passed the Master Teacher Assessements (2 assessments, qualifying score of at least 65%); OR
• Completed and passed the Pearson Paraprofessional assessment:(qualifying score of at least); OR
• Have completed an apprenticeship as a para educator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council

• Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively with all staff, students, and as a team member, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work with students in a warm and confident manner
• Knowledge of student safety rules and procedures
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Previous experience working with students with disabilities is preferred.

The physical demands described here 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 the…