Job
Responsibilities
Paraeducators play an essential role in the classrooms.
Working under the supervision of a licensed teacher, the paraeducator supports the school in a variety of ways and, in many circumstances, a classroom cannot function to its greatest potential without one. The paraeducator helps bring the teacher's visions and ideas to life and strives towards the greatest levels of student success possible. Great paraeducators maintain a lens of equity, support differing academic needs, and are compassionate toward the emotional well-being of each individual with whom they work.
Working in and out of classrooms, the paraeducator provides instructional, behavioral and other support to all or specified students. Paraeducators often work one-to-one with students who are receiving special education or related services and/or students with a 504 plan. Paraeducators assist students within the classroom routine, during class instruction, run small groups, tutor students (before and after school) and assist the teacher with classroom management and organizing instructional materials.
support instructional experiences for all students
What does this mean? The paraeducator assists in providing a well-rounded learning experience and works to engage all levels of learners and their needs.
What this might look like:
Leading small group instruction
Supporting and implementing Effective Instruction strategies
Using appropriate levels of modeling/prompting
Meeting with some students as others work independently
Support and maintain effective and safe school environments
What does this mean? The paraeducator supports the teacher in maintaining a positive and effective learning environment in which students feel safe and successful.
What this might look like:
Demonstrating care and compassion
Providing scaffolds and individualized support
Being knowledgeable of and supporting school site and classroom routines, classroom norms, and transitions
Addressing behavior/needs in a timely and positive manner
Providing supervision of playground, cafeteria, or hallways
Understand and organize subject matter for student learning
What does this mean? The paraeducator understands the curriculum being taught and is able to assist in organizing materials and adjusting instruction based on student/classroom needs.
What this might look like:
Using a variety of instructional strategies (visual, auditory, movement)
Providing accommodations, modifications, and differentiation, according to needs/IEP goals
Providing equitable access to instruction to all students
Being knowledgeable of where materials are kept or how to access them
Assess students for learning and data collection
What does this mean? The paraeducator understands what proficiency looks like in the subject area, actively monitors understanding and adjusts instruction/ intervention as needed.
What this might look like:
Allowing students to demonstrate knowledge in a variety of ways
Providing frequent checks for understanding
Providing opportunities for reteaching
Supporting teachers and staff in collecting and reporting data
Demonstrate professional behavior
What does this mean? The paraeducator demonstrates professionalism, effective communication, growth mind-set, social awareness, and culturally relevant practices.
What this might look like:
Demonstrating self-awareness and self-management skills
Engaging in professional and age-appropriate interactions with students, staff, and teacher
Seeking information and clarifications in a proactive manner, as needed
Adhering to district guidelines
Attending meetings or trainings as assigned
Arriving to your shift on time
Communicate
and collaborate
What does this mean? The paraeducator demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to work with others as an active participant.
What this might look like:
Communicating pertinent information and data in a timely manner
Communicating frequently and effectively with teachers, students, and staff
Working as a team with other staff members on campus including substitutes
Conferencing 1:1 or check-ins with students
Check your email daily, respond within 24 hours
Please refer to your Job Description for more details on your specific assignment.
