Elementary Multilingual Paraprofessional

Kalamazoo Public Schools; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Kalamazoo Public Schools is seeking an Elementary Multilingual Paraprofessional to support English learners at Prairie Ridge Elementary School and Woods Lake Elementary (Center for the Arts). This 0.6 FTE at Prairie Ridge and 0.4 FTE at Woods Lake is a 10-month, full-time position.

Under the multilingual teacher's direction, you will assist with lessons, language development, and classroom tasks, while promoting inclusive practices and strong communication with families.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• ESSA qualifications acceptable include 60 credit hours, an associate degree, or passing scores on relevant assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support to English learners under supervision.
• Assist students individually and in groups with lessons.
• Maintain records and assist with classroom tasks.
• Support English learners' language development through targeted activities.
• Collaborate with teachers to support in the regular classroom.
• Promote a culturally inclusive environment.
• Facilitate communication between teachers and students.
• Assist in adapting instructional materials for language needs.
• Support language proficiency assessments and progress tracking.
• Help monitor individualized learning plans.
• Foster parent communication and involvement.
• Implement inclusive classroom practices.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or higher

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Elementary Multilingual Paraprofessional

Prairie Ridge Elementary School (.6 FTE) and Woods Lake Elementary: A Center for the Arts (.4 FTE)

KSP, Paraprofessional Hourly Rate $18.20

10 Month, Full-Time

Schedule: 3 Days at Prairie Ridge (M, W, F) and 2 Days at Woods Lake (Tue. & Thur.)

Scope of Responsibilities

Provide instructional support to students of limited English proficiency under the direction of the multilingual teacher and/or general education classroom teacher.

1. Assist students individually and in groups with classroom lessons in the multilingual and /or general education classroom.
2. Perform routine classroom tasks, such as maintaining records and a clean physical environment, as assigned by the classroom teacher.
3. Language Support: Assist English learners in developing their language skills through targeted activities, one-on-one sessions, or small group interactions.
4. Classroom Assistance: Collaborate with teachers to support English learners within the regular classroom setting, providing additional explanation and support as needed.
5. Cultural Sensitivity: Promote a culturally inclusive environment, understanding, and respecting diverse backgrounds to enhance the language learning experience for students.
6. Communication Facilitation: Act as a bridge between teachers and English learners, ensuring effective communication and understanding between all parties involved.
7. Resource Development: Assist in the creation and adaptation of instructional materials that cater to the language needs of English learners, making learning resources more accessible.
8. Assessment Support: Collaborate with teachers in administering assessments for English learners’ language proficiency and progress, providing feedback and insights for further development.
9. Individualized Learning Plans: Assist classroom teacher with monitoring individualized learning plans for English learners, tailoring support to meet the specific needs of each student.
10. Involvement: Foster communication between school and parents, helping parents understand and actively participate in their child’s language development and academic progress.
11. Inclusive Classroom Practices: Advocate for and implement inclusive practices that support the integration of English learners into the broader classroom community.
12. Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices in language acquisition, cultural competence, and educational strategies for English learners.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have at least a high school diploma or accredited equivalency and at least one of the following Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) qualifications:

1. two years of study (60 credit hours) at an institution of higher learning.
2. an associate degree or higher.
3. passing scores in math, reading, and writing on the ACT Work Keys Assessment prior to June 1, 2017, or the Basic Skills Test of the Michigan Teacher Test for Certification; or
4. passing score of at least 460 on the ETS (Education Testing Service) Paraprofessional Assessment.

• Able to speak clearly and express ideas.
• Above-average English reading and language arts skills.
• Good personal appearance and grooming.
• Ability to develop a rapport with the students.
• Evidence of a desirable work record (i.e., low absenteeism, good job performance, flexibility).
• Ability to handle the physical requirements of the job: bending, lifting.
• Willingness to work with various students in the building.
• Ability to maintain the necessary energy and composure to work successfully with students.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Previous voluntary or paid experience with youth.
3. Completion of classes in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, Computers, or other training in education.
4. Ability to work with students with diverse backgrounds, representing different cultures and languages.
5. Be fluent in multiple languages, including English.

Kalamazoo Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.