Wilson 26-27 Special Education Paraprofessional

Norman Public Schools; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Norman Public Schools is seeking a dedicated Special Education Paraprofessional to support instruction and student supervision in the classroom and during activities. Responsibilities include assisting with individualized instruction, supervising students, preparing instructional materials, and maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications include an Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate or willingness to complete Tier 2 within 120 days, plus completion of CPR/First Aid and

Qualifications

• Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate or willingness to obtain Tier 2 within 120 days.
• OSBI background checks required every five years and paid by employee.
• CPR and First Aid certification; Universal Precautions training.
• High school diploma or GED; college coursework preferred.
• Must meet Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements; prior experience with children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with instruction and activities for individuals or groups as assigned by the teacher.
• Supervise students in instructional settings and during non-instructional activities.
• Supervise students in the teacher's absence.
• Prepare or adapt instructional materials and teaching aids.
• Assist students with assignments and use instructional equipment.
• Serve as the main contact for substitute teachers.
• Assist with student behavior management and respond to needs.
• Alert the teacher to any special needs of students.
• Provide assistance with external feedings or personal care as needed.
• Assist with boarding/exiting transportation and supervise after school transportation as needed.
• Perform light housekeeping to maintain a clean classroom environment.
• Prepare snacks for students as required.
• Ride afternoon bus routes to supervise student behavior.
• Operate photocopiers, laminators, duplicators, and computers; assist with supplies.
• Assist with sending home student work or weekly parent communications.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Safety compliance

Professional attendance

Creativity & problem-solving

Discretion & judgment

Education

Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate

High school diploma or GED

College coursework preferred

CPR and First Aid certification

Tools

Photocopier

Laminator

Duplicator

Computer

Job description

Job Title

Special Education Paraprofessional

Credentials

An Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate is also required or a willingness to complete the Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements and obtain the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate within 120 days of employment. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination. An OSBI background check must be completed every five years to remain in compliance. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the employee. Failure to complete the required background check may impact your employment status.

Tier 1 (Title I) Paraprofessional Requirements

• Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education (minimum of 48 hours of college coursework); or
• Obtained an associate's degree (or higher); or
• Taken and passed the WorkKeys, ParaPro, or Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).

Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements

Once completed, you will need to apply for Tier 2 certification. The certification fee is $12.00 and is paid directly to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

• Complete the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training at a Career Tech Center, state-approved LEA training, or training modules in PEPPER.
• Complete and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Complete training in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Complete an additional six (6) hours of professional development in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens each school year following initial certification.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• College coursework is preferred and may assist in meeting Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.

Training/Experience Required

• Must meet Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.
• Previous work or volunteer experience with children, teenagers, or clerical duties preferred.

Reports to

Building Principal

Contract

175 Days

Salary Schedule

Teacher's Assistant

FLSA Classification

Non-Exempt

Essential Job Functions

• Assist with instruction and activities for individuals or groups as assigned by the teacher.
• Supervise students in instructional settings, off-campus activities, and non-instructional activities (recess, assemblies, drills, lunch periods, etc.).
• Supervise students in the teacher's absence.
• Prepare, create, or adapt instructional materials and teaching aids as directed.
• Assist students with assignments and help set up or operate instructional equipment.
• Serve as the main point of contact for substitute teachers.
• Assist teachers with student behavior management and respond appropriately to student needs.
• Alert the teacher to any special needs of students.
• Provide assistance with external feedings (e.g., feeding tubes) or personal care (e.g., toileting, catheterization, diaper changes) as needed.
• Assist students with boarding or exiting transportation and supervise before or after transport as needed.
• Perform light housekeeping to maintain a clean and safe classroom environment (e.g., washing dishes, disinfecting surfaces, defrosting freezers).
• Prepare snacks for students as required.
• Ride afternoon bus routes to supervise student behavior when assigned.
• Operate photocopiers, laminators, duplicators, and computers. Assist with obtaining classroom supplies.
• Assist with compiling and sending home student work or weekly parent communications.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills to provide support and handle issues effectively.
• Ability to comply with all safety policies and procedures to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
• Commitment to maintaining professional attendance, dress standards, and work habits.
• Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment, and independent decision-making within job responsibilities.