Special Education Paraprofessional

Dodge County Schools; Eastman (GA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Dodge County Schools is looking for a Special Education Paraprofessional in Eastman, Georgia. The role involves assisting teachers with in-person instruction, supervising students, and helping create an effective learning environment.

The ideal candidate will possess at least an Associate's Degree or relevant qualification, possess strong communication skills, and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability when working with students.

This position is vital to fostering a supportive educational atmosphere.

Qualifications

• An Associate's Degree or higher in any subject from an accredited institution.
• Two years of college coursework (60 semester hours or more) from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of a High School Diploma or GED and passing scores on the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment Test.

Responsibilities

• Assists teachers with in-person instruction and classroom management.
• Works with small groups or individual students to practice skills.
• Communicates proactively with teachers about student issues.

Skills

Supervise children

Computer proficiency

Communication skills

Flexibility

Knowledge of academic subjects

Education

Associate's Degree or higher

Two years of college coursework

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Special Education Paraprofessional

Department: Schools

Pay Grade: Classified Salary Scale

Retirement: TRS

Contract Work Year: 190 Days, 8 hours per day

Reports to: School Administrators

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

An Associate's Degree or higher in any subject completed at an accredited institution.

OR Two years of college coursework (60 semester hours or more) earned at an accredited college or university.

OR A minimum of a High School Diploma or GED and passing scores on the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment Test.

Goals

• Basic knowledge of childhood growth and development.
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise children.
• General knowledge of academic subjects relevant to position assignment.

Representative Duties & Responsibilities

• Basic knowledge of childhood growth and development.
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise children.
• General knowledge of academic subjects relevant to position assignment.
• Computer proficiency and ability to work effectively in an in-person learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students, staff, and parents in a professional manner.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between various in-person learning environments.
• Knowledge of school safety & security procedures.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Essential Duties

• Provides assistance to teachers with in‑person instruction, classroom organization, management and instructional strategies.
• Attends classroom sessions and redirects students who are off task and supports students who need remediation or intervention.
• Works with small groups or individual students in‑person to practice skills, read, and ensure each student benefits from the assignment or task.
• Assists teachers with checking in on students that have not accessed classroom resources or completed assignments.
• Communicates proactively with teachers to inform them of student issues and conversations with parents.
• Responds to emails and phone calls from school leaders and teachers in a timely manner.
• Assists during standardized testing to support state and local processes and policies.
• Assists with preparation of daily lesson plan materials and makes copies of materials for students (print or electronic).
• Assists with distribution of food, supplies, materials and equipment, including technology.
• Supports teachers with grading assignments and providing students with feedback.
• When in a school‑based learning environment, monitors students' movement throughout the building to other classrooms, learning areas and cafeteria.
• Assists students with classroom and cafeteria clean up and wiping down surfaces to uphold sanitation standards as required for safe school environment.
• Assists administrators and other staff members in the orderly, expedient and safe transition of students from one location to another.
• Assists with training volunteers in‑person.
• Engages in professional learning opportunities in‑person.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in‑person and be available to work on‑site, in‑person during regular business hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions

The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods. Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

Speech: Ability to be understood in face‑to‑face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress.

Remote Work Requirements: Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in‑person and various classroom learning environments.

Revised: May 2024