JOB TITLE: Paraprofessional
LOCATION: District or assigned building
SUPERVISOR: Classroom Teacher, Principal, Director of Student Services
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
UNION/NON-UNION: Non-Union
Link: Classified Staff Pay Scale and Benefits
JOB SUMMARY:
The paraprofessional assists the classroom teacher in performing duties necessary to the proper functioning of the classroom. The paraprofessional may be assigned as a classroom assistant or as a one-on-one assistant to a particular student.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To excel in this role, the individual must meet the following key responsibilities:
Instructional
Assists in the organization of assignments and adaptations of materials.
Follows specific instructional strategies and plans to support student learning and independence.
Provides individual or small group instruction, as prescribed.
Communicates in an effective and positive manner with colleagues, learners, and visitors.
Assists professionals in various aspects of implementing instructional/thematic/therapeutic plans, behavior intervention plans.
Facilitates and supports learners in a variety of settings (e.g. general education classes, community based activities, work experience sites, etc.).
Participates in collection of assessment data and documentation.
Confers with professionals on a regular basis regarding learner expectations and outcomes and student/program needs.
Supports learners during transitions between classes and activities.
Assists students with bathroom/hygiene needs
Assists students on/off the bus.
Assists with playground duties.
Classroom Management
Assists with daily tasks and record-keeping related to student attendance forms, clerical needs, files, inventory, supplies, etc.
Facilitates learner-use of computers, augmentative systems and various equipment for instructional purposes.
Staff Roles
Maintains a high level of confidentiality with respect to work-related and student information.
Conforms to specific guidelines of the assigned program.
Performs specialized functions, requiring certification or additional training, required by specific program or student (positioning, lifting, physical restraint, feeding).
Participates in staff development opportunities.
Demonstrates knowledge of first aid and health related/emergency procedures.
Demonstrates professionalism.
Follows procedures and policies established by Steger School District.
Professionalism
Follows policies and procedures of Steger School District.
Demonstrates professionalism while setting examples for students.
Demonstrates continual assessment of personal and program effectiveness, responds effectively to feedback.
Actively participates in the evaluation process.
Demonstrates flexibility and is adaptable to change.
Uses judgment appropriately.
Conducts self in an appropriate and ethical manner.
Treats others with respect and dignity.
Participates in professional growth activities.
Maintains a clean work area.
Dress appropriately.
Communication Skills
Performs as an integral member of the educational team.
Maintains confidentiality in matters related to this position.
Relates in a helpful, positive, and efficient manner with peers, supervisors, and all those in contact with the Steger School District.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Additional tasks as assigned.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: The role requires frequent talking, bending, lifting, stooping, sitting, walking and standing. Ability to lift 25 lbs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment is generally stable, with minimal exposure to unusual temperatures, noise, or hazards. The position requires extended and non-traditional hours to fulfill job duties, as well as participation in organization-sponsored events and meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS:
a. ISBE Paraprofessional License, or
b. An Associate’s degree or higher, or
c. 60 semester hours of coursework, or
d. High School diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS ParaPro test, or
e. High School diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT WorkKeys test:
Applied Math – 4
Workplace Documents - 4
LICENSES/CREDENTIALS:
Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Paraprofessional Endorsement
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
181 days
6.67 or 7.33 hours per day
Twelve sick days per year
Four personal days per year
Vacation days as stated in Policy 5:330
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:
Two evaluations will be conducted during the first year of employment (45 and 90 days).
After the probationary period, evaluations will be completed in accordance with administrative procedures.