A paraprofessional, also known as a paraeducator or teacher's aide, plays a vital role in supporting teachers and students in educational settings. This multifaceted role requires a blend of patience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to student success. This job description outlines the key responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for a paraprofessional position.
Key Responsibilities:
The specific duties of a paraprofessional can vary depending on the school, grade level, and student needs, but generally include:
Classroom Support:
- Assisting teachers with instruction: This may involve preparing materials, leading small group activities, reinforcing concepts taught by the teacher, and providing one-on-one tutoring.
- Managing classroom routines: Helping with classroom organization, distributing materials, monitoring student behavior, and assisting with transitions between activities.
- Creating a positive learning environment: Contributing to a welcoming and supportive classroom atmosphere where students feel safe and encouraged to learn.
- Implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) and 504 plans: Working closely with teachers to implement support strategies outlined in IEPs and 504 plans for students with disabilities.
- Data collection and record-keeping: Assisting with data collection related to student progress and behavior, maintaining accurate records, and reporting observations to the teacher.
Student Support:
- Providing one-on-one and small group support: Offering individualized assistance to students who need extra help with academics, social-emotional skills, or behavior management.
- Monitoring student progress: Tracking student performance and providing feedback to the teacher, identifying areas where students may need additional support.
- Building positive relationships with students: Fostering positive relationships with students, creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
- Accompanying students on field trips and other school events: Providing supervision and assistance to students during school activities outside the classroom.
Administrative Tasks:
- Preparing classroom materials: Duplicating worksheets, creating displays, organizing materials, and maintaining a clean and organized classroom.
- Communicating with parents and guardians: Maintaining open communication with parents and guardians, sharing information about student progress and concerns.
- Participating in professional development activities: Engaging in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Some positions may require an associate's degree or some college coursework.
- Experience working with children, ideally in an educational setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to build rapport with students, teachers, and parents.
- Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to follow directions and implement instructions effectively.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Physical ability to perform tasks such as lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods. (Specific physical requirements may vary depending on the position).
- Background check and fingerprinting clearance may be required.
Additional Skills (Preferred):
- Bilingual proficiency (especially in high-need languages).
- Experience working with students with disabilities (IEPs and 504 plans).
- Knowledge of specific learning strategies and interventions.
- Experience with assistive technology.
- CPR and First Aid certification.
This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. The paraprofessional is expected to perform other duties as assigned by the teacher and school administration.
