Paraeducator

Northstonington; North Stonington (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits as per contract

Job summary

North Stonington is seeking a paraeducator to assist in providing an educationally motivating environment. You will work with teachers and related staff to design, implement, and evaluate program activities for identified students, adhering to district, state, and federal policies.

The role involves assisting with instruction, monitoring students, and supporting assessment and intervention strategies within a collaborative team. Strong reading, writing, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Must possess a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• In addition, candidates must meet one of the Connecticut paraeducator qualification requirements.
• Two or more years of college (60 semester credits) or an Associate’s degree or higher or passing the ParaPro assessment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with small group and one-on-one instruction.
• Assist the teacher with daily classroom functions.
• Monitor class during non-academic times.
• Assist with assessment and intervention strategies.
• Perform duties as deemed appropriate by administration.

Skills

One-on-one instruction

Small group instruction

Reading comprehension

Written communication

Collaboration

Classroom monitoring

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Two years of college (60 credits)

Associate’s degree or higher

Paraeducator assessment (ParaPro)

Job description

Job Title

Paraeducator, Department of Special Services

Reports To

Director of Special Services in collaboration with the Building Principals

Job Goal

To assist in providing an educationally motivating environment where students are encouraged to learn. To work as a part of an inclusionary team along with teachers and related service personnel in assisting in the design, implementation, and evaluation of program activities to ensure high levels of learning and performance by identified students. To work within the guidelines of the school district, state, and federal statutes, regulations, and policies.

Qualifications

CORE QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL PARAEDUCATORS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Must possess a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

In addition, candidates must meet one of the following Connecticut paraeducator qualification requirements:

• Successfully complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (generally 60 semester credit hours); or
• Earn an Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution; or
• Achieve a passing score on the State Board of Education-approved paraeducator assessment (currently the ETS ParaPro Assessment).

Language Skills

Must be able to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

Must be able to write simple correspondence.

Must be able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students, parents, certified and non-certified staff, and the school community.

Mathematical Skills

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Must be able to apply complex concepts such as figuring rates, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Must possess a working knowledge of algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability

Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Must be able to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Assisting with small group and one-on-one instruction
• Assisting the teacher with the daily functions of the class.
• Monitoring class during non-academic times.
• Assisting with assessment and intervention strategies.
• Other duties as deemed appropriate by the administration.

Additional Requirements

Physical Demands

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 essential functions.

The position may require the employee to occasionally crouch, kneel, or sit at floor level. The employee may need to lift alone up to forty (40) pounds, and individually push or pull up to one hundred (100) pounds. The position is exposed to medical infections and injuries and is at greater risk than the average staff person.

Duties

The performance responsibilities are divided into six major areas. They apply equally to all preschool – 12th-grade instructional settings, including community-based programs that include students with developmental, physical, sensory, and social/emotional disabilities and those who are medically fragile. The paraeducator assignments designated by the Director of Special Services may focus on any combination of the outlined responsibilities and duties and may vary during the school year to match the needs of the students and the school system.

Paraeducators Assist Professionals With Building and Maintaining Effective Instructional Teams

• Participates in team meetings as scheduled.
• Respects the views and contributions of the team members.
• Contributes relevant information to facilitate planning, problem-solving, and decision-making for student programming needs.
• Uses appropriate communication skills in adult‑adult interactions.

Paraeducators Assist Professionals With Maintaining Learner-Centered, Supportive Environments

• Follows and uses district policies and classroom procedures for protecting the safety, health, and well‑being of all students and staff.
• Models and encourages interactions among students and adults that demonstrate a respect for and value of individual differences.
• Facilitates the development of peer interactions and friendships for students with disabilities in the classroom, school, and community settings.
• Assists teachers and other professionals in supervising and monitoring students in academic and non‑academic settings.
• Provides behavioral strategies and supports to students where needed (includes physical restraint of students as directed with appropriate training).
• Provides physical supports to students including toileting, feeding, lifting, mobility, and hygiene.

Paraeducators Support With Planning and Organizing Learning Experiences

• Assists teachers and other professionals with preparing and adapting instructional materials and equipment to accommodate different learning styles, ability levels, or language backgrounds.
• Operates copy machines, computers, and other equipment to prepare learning materials and resources.
• Prepares adaptive equipment and assistive technology for student use.
• Performs routine clerical tasks such as setting up student work areas, displays, and exhibits, and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.

Paraeducators Assist Professionals With Engaging Students in the Learning Process

• Implements an individualized or small group activity developed by teachers/providers.
• Assists in providing modifications and adaptations of materials.
• Re‑teaches or reinforces educational concepts introduced by teachers/providers.
• Provides assistance to students experiencing difficulty; explains errors and answers questions.
• Administers tests as directed by teachers.
• Assists students in transitions within the class and with transitions to other classes with promptness of daily schedule.

Paraeducators Assist Professionals With Assessing Learner Needs, Progress, and Achievement

• Assists teachers/providers in observing and recording student progress in academic, self‑help, communication, and behavior skills.
• Corrects and records daily assignments, quizzes, and tests as directed by teachers.
• Provides feedback on student needs and programming to teachers/providers.
• Communicates student progress and needs with parents as directed by teachers/providers.

Paraeducators Meet Standards of Ethical Conduct

• Abides by school district policies, school rules, and team standards.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information regarding students.
• Maintains composure and emotional control while with adults and students.
• Attends work on a regular basis and is punctual.
• Accepts necessary changes in work assignments.
• Performs any duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Information

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Pay and Benefits

• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Pay: In accordance with the North Stonington Paraeducator Contract, based on step and experience.
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined in the Paraeducator Contract.