Specialized Education Assistant

Memphis Shelby County Schools; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Memphis Shelby County Schools is seeking a paraprofessional to assist teachers in achieving instructional goals by working with students individually or in small groups. The role includes reinforcing concepts, guiding independent study, and ensuring a well‑organized learning environment under supervision.

The position requires an Associate's degree or 2 years of college (48 credits) or a passing ParaPro test score, with CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree, or two (2) years of college (minimum of 48 semester hours)
• Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment Test
• One (1) year of experience working with children in an educational setting preferred
• Must possess or be able to obtain certification in CPR and First Aid.

Responsibilities

• Provides instructional support to students in varied classroom settings (whole group, small group, individual)
• Assists students with lesson assignments for reinforcing learning concepts
• Guides students in independent study and remedial work
• Operates and maintains classroom equipment and utilizes technology to aid instruction
• Administers tests and homework assignments to support teachers
• Performs clerical tasks to support teachers and administrative staff
• Supervises students in common areas of the school campus
• Encourages parent/community involvement in instructional progress

Skills

Instructional support

Small group work

Classroom supervision

Education

Associate degree or 2 years college

ParaPro Assessment (passing score)

CPR & First Aid certification (preferred)

Tools

Technology in classroom

Job description

Summary Description Performs specialized work to assist the teacher in the achievement of teaching objectives while working with individual students, or small groups, for the improvement of skills and for increase in student learning. The position is responsible for working with students to reinforce the learning of skills introduced by the teacher; guiding independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work designed and assigned by the teacher; and helping maintain a well-organized, smoothly functioning learning environment in which students can benefit fully from the program of instruction and available resources. This position works under direct supervision according to set procedures.

Summary Description Performs specialized work to assist the teacher in the achievement of teaching objectives while working with individual students, or small groups, for the improvement of skills and for increase in student learning. The position is responsible for working with students to reinforce the learning of skills introduced by the teacher; guiding independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work designed and assigned by the teacher; and helping maintain a well-organized, smoothly functioning learning environment in which students can benefit fully from the program of instruction and available resources. This position works under direct supervision according to set procedures.This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

• Provides instructional support to students in varied classroom settings (i.e., whole group, small group, and individual).
• Assists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Guides students in independent study (e.g., enrichment work, remedial work, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring student success.
• Attends required weeklong literacy intensive training to build specialized knowledge.
• Attends required yearlong foundational skills training to build specialized knowledge of reading science and curriculum alignment.
• Implements, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students' academic success through a defined course of study.
• Monitors assignments as students work and provides opportunities for immediate reteaching/reinforcing when misunderstandings of an assignment are detected.
• Reinforces all knowledge and skills taught by the classroom teacher.
• Reviews skills and assignments with students who have been absent and missed class work.
• Consults frequently with classroom teachers on matters relating to reading instruction using the progress-monitoring instrument as a base.
• Assists in preparing lesson plans, instructional materials, and other learning activities; operates and maintains equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes; utilizes technology to assist teachers and support students.
• Administers tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
• Attends staff meetings as required; participates in in-service training programs; keeps abreast of developments in areas of assignment.
• Performs record keeping and clerical functions (e.g., scheduling, copying, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher and/or administrator in providing records/materials.
• Assists in the general supervision of students in the halls, restrooms, playgrounds, or any other area of the school campus.
• Encourages parent/community involvement in the instructional progress.
• Follows directions of the principal, assistant principal and classroom teacher.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of supporting student academic achievement.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree, or two (2) years of college (minimum of 48 semester hours), or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment Test and one (1) year of experience working with children in an educational setting preferred. Must possess or be able to obtain certification in CPR and First Aid.Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance MSCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MSCS provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.