26-27 Kennedy Special Education Paraprofessional

Norman Public Schools; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Norman Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to assist with instruction and supervision of students in a Tier 1 setting. The role requires completion of Tier 1 requirements or willingness to pursue Tier 2 within 120 days, along with CPR/First Aid and related trainings.

The position reports to the Building Principal and follows a 175-day contract with the Teacher's Assistant salary schedule.

Qualifications

• Two years of college coursework (min. 48 hours) or an associate's degree or higher.
• Paraprofessional certification or willingness to obtain Tier 2 within 120 days of employment.
• OSBI background check required every 5 years; cost borne by employee.

Responsibilities

• Assist with instruction and activities for individuals or small groups as directed by the teacher.
• Supervise students in instructional and non-instructional settings; accompany during recess, assemblies, drills, and lunch.
• Serve as main contact for substitute teachers and assist with behavior management.

Skills

Experience with children/teens

Interpersonal skills

Safety policy compliance

Discretion and judgment

Education

Two years of college coursework

Associate's degree or higher

Passed ParaPro/OGET/WorkKeys

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens training

6 hours annual PD in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens

Job description

Job Title: Special Education Paraprofessional

Tier 1 (Title I) Paraprofessional Requirements

(Applicant must meet at least one of the following):

• Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education (minimum of 48 hours of college coursework); or
• Obtained an associate's degree (or higher); or
• Taken and passed the WorkKeys, ParaPro, or Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).

An Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate is also requiredor a willingness to complete the Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements and obtain the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate within 120 days of employment.

Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination.

An OSBI background check must be completed every five years to remain in compliance. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the employee. Failure to complete the required background check may impact your employment status.

Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements

(All of the following must be completed within 120 days of employment to obtain and maintain certification.)

Once completed, you will need to apply for Tier 2 certification. The certification fee is $12.00 and is paid directly to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

• Complete the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training at a Career Tech Center, state-approved LEA training, or training modules in PEPPER.
• Complete and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Complete training in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Complete an additional six (6) hours of professional development in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens each school year following initial certification.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• College coursework is preferred and may assist in meeting Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.

Training/Experience Required

• Must meet Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.
• Previous work or volunteer experience with children, teenagers, or clerical duties preferred.

Reports to:

Building Principal

Contract:

175 Days

Salary Schedule:

Teacher's Assistant

FLSA Classification:

Non-Exempt

Essential Job Functions

• Assist with instruction and activities for individuals or groups as assigned by the teacher.
• Supervise students in instructional settings, off-campus activities, and non-instructional activities (recess, assemblies, drills, lunch periods, etc.).
• Supervise students in the teacher's absence.
• Prepare, create, or adapt instructional materials and teaching aids as directed.
• Assist students with assignments and help set up or operate instructional equipment.
• Serve as the main point of contact for substitute teachers.
• Assist teachers with student behavior management and respond appropriately to student needs.
• Alert the teacher to any special needs of students.
• Provide assistance with external feedings (e.g., feeding tubes) or personal care (e.g., toileting, catheterization, diaper changes) as needed.
• Assist students with boarding or exiting transportation and supervise before or after transport as needed.
• Perform light housekeeping to maintain a clean and safe classroom environment (e.g., washing dishes, disinfecting surfaces, defrosting freezers).
• Prepare snacks for students as required.
• Ride afternoon bus routes to supervise student behavior when assigned.
• Operate photocopiers, laminators, duplicators, and computers. Assist with obtaining classroom supplies.
• Assist with compiling and sending home student work or weekly parent communications.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills to provide support and handle issues effectively.
• Ability to comply with all safety policies and procedures to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
• Commitment to maintaining professional attendance, dress standards, and work habits.
• Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment, and independent decision-making within job responsibilities.