A paraprofessional, often called a paraeducator or teacher's aide, plays a vital role in supporting the educational process. This job description outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications for a paraprofessional position. This description is a template and may need adjustment based on the specific needs of the school or educational setting.
Key Responsibilities:
This role requires a blend of direct student support and classroom management assistance. Specific duties can vary based on the grade level and individual student needs, but generally include:
Direct Student Support:
- Individualized Instruction: Providing one-on-one or small-group instruction to students, reinforcing concepts taught by the teacher, and offering individualized support based on IEPs or 504 plans. This may involve tutoring, assisting with homework, or providing extra practice activities.
- Classroom Management: Assisting the teacher with classroom management tasks, such as organizing materials, monitoring student behavior, and ensuring a safe and orderly learning environment. This can also include helping with transitions between activities.
- Student Supervision: Supervising students during activities such as lunch, recess, transitions, and field trips. Ensuring student safety and well-being is paramount.
- Administrative Tasks: Assisting with various administrative tasks as directed by the teacher, such as photocopying materials, preparing learning resources, and maintaining student records. This might also involve data entry or basic record-keeping.
- Communication & Collaboration: Maintaining open communication with the teacher regarding student progress, challenges, and concerns. Effective collaboration with the teacher and other school staff is essential.
Supporting Students with Diverse Needs:
- IEP/504 Plan Implementation: Implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans, providing specialized support to students with disabilities or learning differences as outlined in their plans.
- Differentiated Instruction: Assisting with the implementation of differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of students in the classroom.
- Behavioral Support: Supporting students with behavioral challenges by implementing behavior management strategies outlined in their IEPs or by the teacher.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of educational qualifications, experience, and personal attributes. These typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED: A minimum high school diploma or its equivalent is usually required. Some positions may require an associate's degree or higher.
- Paraprofessional Certification (where applicable): In some states or districts, paraprofessionals are required to obtain specific certification or licensure. This often involves passing a paraeducator exam.
- Experience (Preferred): Prior experience working with children, particularly in an educational setting, is highly valued. This could include volunteer work, tutoring, or previous experience as a teacher's aide.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills are essential for effective collaboration with teachers, students, and other school staff.
- Patience & Empathy: A high level of patience, empathy, and understanding is necessary for working with students of diverse abilities and needs.
- Physical Requirements: The position may require physical stamina, as it involves standing, walking, and assisting students throughout the school day.
Compensation & Benefits:
Compensation and benefits will vary depending on the school district, experience, and educational level. Information on salary and benefits will be provided during the interview process.
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role. Specific responsibilities and qualifications may vary based on the school's individual requirements. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an employment contract.
