Paraprofessional (Full-time Special Education)

Allentown School District; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 22,912 - 32,632; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement

Personal and Sick time

PSERS Retirement Fund

Job summary

Allentown School District in Allentown, PA, is seeking an instructional paraprofessional to support students with disabilities under the guidance of teachers. The role includes providing instructional support, assisting with lesson delivery, maintaining student records, and supporting students' personal needs. Candidates must have educational qualifications, valid clearances, and meet annual staff development requirements. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement fund.

Qualifications

• Must meet educational requirements for highly qualified paraprofessional.
• Valid Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances required.
• U.S. citizen or holder of a valid work visa.
• 20 hours of approved staff development activities annually.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in delivering instructional strategies according to IEP.
• Provide instructional support under the teacher's direction.
• Collect academic data for progress monitoring.
• Maintain students' records and confidentiality.
• Assist students with personal needs as necessary.

Skills

Educational qualifications

Reading, writing, and math competencies

Clearances (Act 34, 114, 151)

Special education knowledge

Education

At least 2 years of postsecondary study or an associate degree

Job description

Qualifications

• Must meet educational requirements for "highly qualified paraprofessional," as defined by the federal laws, No Child Left Behind, and IDEA. Must meet educational requirements of Chapter 14, PA Code 22.
• Must meet basic reading, writing, and math competencies.
• Valid Act 34, 114, and Act 151 clearances.
• Valid tuberculosis test and physical examination with ADA reasonable accommodations stipulated, as appropriate.
• Must continue to meet the required annual obligations of Chapter 14, PA Code 22: 20 hours of approved staff development activities related to their assignment.
• U.S. citizen or holder of a valid work visa.
• Such additional or alternatives to the above qualifications as the board or superintendent may determine appropriate and acceptable.

Starting Salary

$20.16/hr

Summary

An instructional paraprofessional is a school employee who works under the direction of a certificated staff member to support and assist in providing instructional, behavioral, and functional programs and services to children with disabilities or eligible young children. The support and assistance include one-on-one or group review of material taught by certificated staff, classroom management, and implementation of positive behavior support plans. Services may be provided in a special education class, regular education class, or other instructional setting (e.g., community-based instruction) as outlined in the student's IEP. Instructional paraprofessionals shall meet one of the following qualifications: completed at least 2 years of postsecondary study, possess an associate degree or higher, meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a state or local assessment, and participate in 20 hours of approved staff development activities annually.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist the principal and other professionals in maintaining a safe and orderly school environment.
• Assist the special education and regular education teachers in the delivery of appropriate instructional and tutorial strategies as per the individualized educational plan (IEP).
• Under the direction of the teacher, provide instructional support for the purpose of supporting/reinforcing lessons (e.g., administering tests, tutoring or reinforcing instruction).
• Under the direction of the teacher, collect observational and academic data for the purpose of progress monitoring.
• Maintain students' files/records for the purpose of documenting activities and providing reliable information.
• Under the direction of the teacher, follow and implement positive behavior support plans.
• Handle students' personal needs (e.g., feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.) for the purpose of providing care to students who may or may not have medical conditions; the medical concern is not the primary orientation for the student.
• Assist students' safe transitions from/to locations and environments within and around the school (e.g., bus, cafeteria, community-based instruction, etc.).
• Participate in specialized training related to the specific individualized needs of eligible students with IEPs.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations/Chapter 14.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations as per standing orders and other policies and procedures.
• Perform such other tasks within the expectation of this job category and/or assume such other responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Superintendent of Schools, principal, or Director of Special Education.
• When another paraprofessional (personal care assistant or educational interpreter) assigned within the building is absent (short-term), the administrator of the building may reassign other paraprofessionals to support special education students based on a priority of needs.
• If the instructional paraprofessional is assigned to work with one student and the student is absent, the administrator of the building may reassign the paraprofessional during the absence of the student within special education.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Personal and Sick time
• PSERS Retirement Fund
• Eligibility for specific benefits will be outlined in each labor group's specific collective bargaining agreement.