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 ParaLeader at WoodsEdge Learning Center in Portage, Michigan. The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Aligns services with KRESA Core Values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity) and Culture & Belonging principles to engage and serve all students
Possesses knowledge of subject matter, students’ needs, and building/program policies
Trains and assists with de-escalation strategies or team restraint when students are in crisis and in danger of hurting themselves, others, or property
Collects data and progress to monitor student’s academic interventions and behavior objectives
Reads and implements IEP’s
Leads classroom instruction in the teacher’s absence
Teaches, coaches, and supports new paraprofessionals in the classroom
Supports other classrooms when needed or during crisis situations
Successfully works with students with the highest support needs
Provides professional learning to large groups of paraprofessionals
Develops growth and action plans for their own self-improvement in and outside the classroom
Leads planning events for students and families
Part of crisis response team/ behavior support
Collaborates with teachers in curriculum development and assessment
Possesses expertise in a specific area of education (e.g., literacy, math intervention)
Checks and responds to emails daily. Keeps attendance, student records, anecdotal observations, completes evaluations as required by school and teacher
Regular and consistent attendance
Other duties as assigned

Qualified candidates will have a High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum four years or more experience as a paraprofessional. Successful completion of 321 Insight Para Training Course and/or College Credits. Paraprofessional positions for certain programs may require a demonstrated competency level (Work keys test or ETS Paraprofessional Assessment) for meeting highly qualified status and /or an associate degree or 60 college credits to sub as teacher of record.

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 and coaches others to effectively resolve conflicts
Develop and maintain relational capacity with staff, students, and families
Demonstrates leadership skills mentoring novice paraprofessionals and communicates and works among a team of colleagues
Embraces a teamwork attitude
Ability to be flexible and 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
Ability to take initiative and show willingness to learn and take direction
Practices safe work habits
Uses equipment and material properly
Displays reliable attendance and promptness
Ability to resolve problems independently
Utilizes effective instructional practices to motivate and engage students in learning
Maintains confidentiality
Strong analytical skills

This is an 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.

Paraprofessional Leader