Special Education Paraprofessional

Creative Montessori Academy; Southgate (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Montessori Academy in Michigan seeks dedicated educators to provide 1:1 or small-group support for students with diverse learning needs. The role emphasizes individualized care plans and fostering independence in a nurturing, inclusive environment.

You will collaborate with the Special Education team, assist the classroom teacher with materials and instruction, and document student progress daily to support IEP goals and holistic development.

Qualifications

• Some college coursework or higher with focus on reading, writing and math is preferred.
• Ability to communicate with students, staff and guardians in a professional manner.
• Exemplary work habits and reliable performance in prior roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and personalized assistance to students with diverse learning needs.
• Create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every student feels valued.
• Address academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges through individualized care plans.
• Assist classroom teachers with organizing materials and supporting instruction.
• Document daily progress for students, including IEP-related notes.
• Collaborate with Special Education team to support student learning.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Professional communication

Student-centered approach

Education

Two years of college / Associate degree

Job description

At Creative Montessori Academy, we celebrate and nurture every child's innate desire to learn. Utilizing the Montessori Method, our diverse learning environment fosters innovation and yet allows each student the chance to learn through self-directed pace and individual style.

As Montessori educators, it is our mission to prepare our environments for students to develop a love of learning and become intrinsically motivated. It is our objective to guide students in their critical thinking and bring awareness to their five senses throughout the environment.

Teachers and administration are thoroughly trained in the Montessori Method and are committed to the Montessori education of every child. The curriculum is demanding, yet allows each student the chance to learn through self-directed pace and individual style.

Qualities of a Success Candidate:

• A genuine love for working with children and a strong commitment to their holistic development. They should prioritize the child's individuality, independence, and self-directed learning, fostering an environment that supports these values.
• The ability to guide children through their learning journey with patience, allowing them to explore and make discoveries at their own pace. They should also be flexible in adjusting their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each child.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

To provide support and personalized assistance to students with diverse learning needs. They aim to create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Through individualized care plans, they work to address students' unique challenges, whether they be academic, behavioral, or emotional, fostering growth and development while promoting independence. Their ultimate objective is to ensure that each student they serve has the opportunity to reach their full potential, both academically and personally, while fostering a sense of belonging within the educational community.

What you'll do

• Supports student with a disability in a 1:1 or small group capacity
• Completes daily documentation of student with Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Works with the Special Education team to support student
• Helps the classroom teacher organize and distribute lesson materials.
• Assists the classroom teacher in supporting instruction and engaging student in learning.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy, and the
  community under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of
  assignments, communicating an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and
  expression, and student and classroom teacher experiences in large and small groups.
• Assists the classroom teacher with assessing learner needs, progress and achievement.
• Assists the classroom teacher in maintaining individual student records, when asked.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the classroom teacher or school leader.

Qualifications

While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate's degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment or successfully pass the ETS Parapro Assessment
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• Ability to communicate with students, staff and guardians in a professional manner.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Requirements:

• Knowledge of and skills working with at-risk students.
• Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.

About Choice Schools Associates

Creative Montessori Academy (CMA) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Montessori Model, CMA is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding Montessori schools within the state. The Montessori Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.