The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan’s education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.

We are currently seeking a Paraprofessional Leader at KRESA Transition Services in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Align services with KRESA Core Values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity) and Culture & Belonging principles to engage and serve all students
Models good instructional and behavioral practices for new paraprofessionals
Supports the onboarding of new paraprofessionals by answering questions and teaching them the skills outlined by administration
Assists with staffing and moving people when there are absences not covered
Assists in the design and implementation of professional development for paraprofessionals
Exhibits excellent attendance and creates attendance goals/incentives in conjunction with administration in order to improve staff attendance
Monitors staff attendance data and communicates with administration regarding trends/concerns/celebrations/ or about fellow staff that need additional supports due to struggles they may be experiencing
Knowledge of subject matter, students’ needs, and building/program policies
Assists with managing difficult behaviors through the use of de-escalation strategies or team restraint when students are in crisis and when in danger of hurting themselves, others, or property
Collect data and progress monitor student’s academic interventions and behavior objectives
Leads and manages student classroom activities outside of classroom instruction
Assists in instruction of students as designed by the teacher while following all safety protocols, procedures, and regulations
Provides feedback and monitors the classroom when students are working
Performs classroom maintenance (cleaning, sanitizing, preparing, fixing) as required
Assists with organization of daily classroom schedule and events calendar
Implements rules of student conduct through PBIS and specific program expectations
Maintains order in classroom and effectively disciplines students through classroom procedures and protocols
Assists students with problem solving when adjustment and academic needs arise
Keeps attendance, student records, anecdotal observations, evaluations as required by school and teacher
Regular and consistent attendance
Other duties as assigned

Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Kalamazoo RESA handbook.

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent. Paraprofessional positions for certain programs may require demonstrated competency level (Work keys test or ETS Paraprofessional Assessment) for meeting highly qualified status and /or an associate degree or 60 college credits.

Other skills and abilities include:

Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to our core values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity), Culture & Belonging, and Continuous Improvement
Embraces and supports KRESA’s vision of a transformative, equitable and innovative education for all in the Greater Kalamazoo region
Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of identities and lived experiences
Ability to discuss differences with colleagues and clients in a manner that supports building positive working relationships
Develop and maintain relational capacity with staff and students
Ability to communicate and work among a team of colleagues
Embraces a teamwork attitude
Ability to be flexible and be open minded
Be an empathic listener
Contribute in a positive way to the environment
Organized and able to plan ahead
Show adaptability to frequent changes in the work environment
Practices safe work habits and protocols
Uses equipment and material properly
Displays reliable attendance and promptness
Ability resolve problems by taking appropriate initiative
Utilizes effective instructional practices to motivate and engage students in learning as directed by the teacher
Maintains confidentiality and FERPA

This is a 11 month calendar position in job grade 12 with an annual rate of pay between $39,825.00 and $42,103.13.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives – all within a supportive and caring culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.