ELL Paraprofessional

Fort Smith Public Schools; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Smith Public Schools seeks an ELL Paraprofessional to support classroom instruction and assist students, including those with special needs. You will collaborate with teachers, reinforce concepts with individuals or small groups, and help with materials and daily living activities as needed.

The role requires a High School diploma, 60 college hours or Praxis, and strong interpersonal skills. Prior experience in education is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 60 college hours or has passed the Paraprofessional Praxis Exam.
• Experience working with students in an educational setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of instructional methods and strategies, especially for students with special needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Patience, flexibility, and a passion for working with children.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement instructional activities and support lesson plans.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional materials.
• Provide one-on-one support for students with special needs, ensuring their participation in classroom activities.
• Assist students with tasks such as classroom assignments, tests, and projects.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment for all students.
• Support positive behavior management strategies as outlined by the teacher or special education team, if requested.
• Assist in the implementation of IEPs or behavior plans for students with special needs, if requested.
• Assist students with activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding, and mobility, as needed.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, such as nurses or occupational therapists, to implement specific care plans.
• Maintain open and effective communication with teachers, parents, and other school staff regarding student progress and needs.
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
• Monitor students during various activities, including in the classroom, gym, on the playground, lunch, and during transitions.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Implement accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs, in collaboration with the teacher and special education team, if needed.
• Work additional hours as directed.
• Maintains prompt and regular attendance
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Present and communicate in a professional manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain positive professional working relationships with others.
• Supervises students on recess, bus, during before and after school duty, on field trips, extracurricular events, and in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
• Attend trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned by administration.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience & adaptability

Communication skills

Instructional methods for specialNeeds

Behavior management

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

60 college hours or Praxis Paraprofessional exam

Tools

Job description

*Out of state applicants please provide ADE's verfication of provisional licensure eligibility*

Position Description

POSITION TITLE: ELL Paraprofessional

FLSA: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: BuildingPrincipal and Supervisor of Special Programs

BEGINNING: August 4, 2025

LOCATION: District Wide

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 60 college hours or has passed the Paraprofessional Praxis Exam
• Experience working with students in an educational setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of instructional methods and strategies, especially for students with special needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Patience, flexibility, and a passion for working with children.

DISTRICT VALUES

• We will always put student needs first.
• We believe relationships matter.
• We expect accountability.
• We operate with transparency.
• We prioritize student and staff safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement instructional activities and support lesson plans.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of instructional materials.
• Provide one-on-one support for students with special needs, ensuring their participation in classroom activities.
• Assist students with tasks such as classroom assignments, tests, and projects.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment for all students.
• Support positive behavior management strategies as outlined by the teacher or special education team, if requested.
• Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or behavior plans for students with special needs, if requested.
• Assist students with activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding, and mobility, as needed.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, such as nurses or occupational therapists, to implement specific care plans.
• Maintain open and effective communication with teachers, parents, and other school staff regarding student progress and needs.
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
• Monitor students during various activities, including in the classroom, gym, on the playground, lunch, and during transitions.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Implement accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs, in collaboration with the teacher and special education team, if needed.
• Work additional hours as directed.
• Maintains prompt and regular attendance
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Present and communicate in a professional manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain positive professional working relationships with others.
• Supervises students on recess, bus, during before and after school duty, on field trips, extracurricular events, and in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
• Attend trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned by administration.

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must have the ability to lift at least 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, squatting.