Special Education Paraeducator (through June 30, 2023)

READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS

READING, MASSACHUSETTS

Position: Paraprofessional, Special Education Instructional Classroom, Learning

Center, Tutor, Learning Language Differences

Department: Building

Reports to: Principal

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Approved by: Thomas Milaschewski, Ed D

Revision Date: July 2021

SUMMARY: Working with students with learning disabilities or literacy/math difficulties and under immediate supervision. Administer specific instructional and behavioral strategies and techniques; attend student progress meetings; develop and maintain treatment schedules; perform a variety of clerical and supportive tasks for certified instructional personnel; learn and apply individual instructional procedures; oversee students with special needs and perform related work assigned. Provide co-teaching, small group or one-to-one instruction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for by this position. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assists with activities addressing standards that will advance students’ level of content knowledge.
• Assists with activities appropriate for the full range of students within a classroom and appropriate to the specific discipline, age, and level of proficiency with the English language and Individualized Education Programs (IEP).
• Communicates lesson objectives clearly.
• Builds on student’s prior knowledge and experience.
• Provides support under the guidance of a teacher to address student needs.
• Helps students use appropriate instructional resources to support learning in reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Helps students use a variety of approaches to understand what they read.
• Helps students focus their writing and develop writing skills.
• Helps students relate mathematics to everyday situations.
• Employs a variety and range of instructional techniques from direct instruction to cooperative learning groups.
• Provides regular feedback to students on their progress.
• Provides formal and informal assessment of student progress.
• Collects and maintains data about student progress with lead teacher.
• Promotes achievement for all students including those with disabilities, those in limited English proficiency, and those who are gifted and talented, without exception.
• Maintains high standards and expectations for all students.
• Confers with supervisor(s) and/or content specialist(s) when assistance is needed in supporting students’ learning process.
• Uses agreed-upon rules for informal and formal discussions in small and large groups.
• Understands and is able to assist students in the learning of the Massachusetts Curriculum frameworks for literacy and mathematics, including the ability to work with different curriculum materials, resources, and programs that are aligned to the frameworks.
• Uses instructional technology appropriately and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology.
• May work in co-teaching, small group, or 1 to 1 setting.
• Collects data for IEP goals and objectives.
• Collects data for behavior implementation plans.

• Participates in training sessions as provided by the Reading Public Schools.

• Uses feedback to reflect critically upon his or her classroom experience and identify areas for further skill and professional development.

• Prepares materials for use in classroom.

• Assists in maintaining a disciplined, neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment

• Models appropriate behavior for students.

• Maintains appropriate standards of behavior, mutual respect, and safety in classroom.

• Maintain knowledge of students that may have medical concerns to remain aware of potentially dangerous situations for their individual condition.

• Assists children in instruction, communication, social activities and integration, recreation, sports, arts and crafts, personal hygiene and other designated activities.

• Follows any health plans as directed by the school nurse, and any behavior plans as directed by classroom teacher. Notifies nurse and teacher of any injuries or potentially unsafe situations

• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Exercises no supervision.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Basic understanding of child development theory and principles
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward children
• Ability to carry out assigned duties safely and effectively
• Ability to successfully use behavior management techniques
• Ability to follow written and oral directions of classroom teacher, building administrator, and IEP requirements
• Ability to successfully complete basic first aid, CPR, and other required training
• Basic clerical and record keeping skills
• Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form
• Understand confidentiality requirements regarding student academic, special education, and medical records
• Understand responsibilities as a mandated reporter under state law
• Ability to implement emergency preparedness procedures when circumstances require
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or above required.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR and first aid certifications
• Valid MA teacher licensure preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move about to provide services and may be required to occasionally traverse throughout the school building. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will have essential duties requiring him/her to work in a classroom with the ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, bend or twist at the neck and trunk. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and use hand strength to grasp tools. Occasionally operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer). The employee must be able to input information into a computer and as well as read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and other staff members in person and on the telephone. In the classroom, the employee must be able to see and hear on a continuous basis in order to ensure the safety of students as well as speak frequently to provide instruction. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students, parents and other staff members and occasionally must meet multiple demands from several people. While the majority of the work day is spent inside, the employee must spend time outdoors for recess, fire drills, and special activities.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.