Spectrum is a thriving college prep public school of choice, located in Elk River, MN, serving approximately 900 students in grades 6-12 for the past 18 years. We are seeking to fill an opening for an instructional paraprofessional.
Position Purpose: Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Coordinator, the paraprofessional assists teachers with students in the classroom to meet academic and other goals and objectives in students' individualized educational plans.
Essential Job Functions
- Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
- Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
- Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
- Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
- Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
- Assists students in non-instructional areas.
- Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
- Constructs, copies, and distribute and use educational materials, as needed.
- Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
- Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team, as needed.
- Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
- Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
Additional Duties:
- Assists guidance, pupil services staff, or building administration, as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students
- Ability to understand, apply, and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel)
- Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others
- Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others contacted in the course of work
- Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required
- Effective writing and verbal communication skills
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Works in standard office and school building environments.
- Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities
Qualifications Profile
- Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would include the following:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
- Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.
FLSA Status: Non-exempt