Position: Classroom Paraprofessional

Employed By: GECS

Reports to: Assigned Teacher/Respective Dean of Academics

Duty Year: School Year, Academic Year

Job Summary:

The Paraprofessional is responsible for assisting the teacher in providing a safe, stimulating, and nurturing classroom environment for all students.

Description of Duties:

Student Academic Achievement

♦ Support and assist the classroom teacher in implementing the goals and objectives of the Academy’s curriculum and philosophy

♦ Willingly lead classroom activities as directed by the classroom teacher

♦ Assist the classroom teacher in creating smooth transitions from one activity to another

♦ Assist the classroom teacher in the preparation of materials and activities for the classroom

Classroom Management

♦ Execute appropriate and positive discipline strategies in the classroom when directed by the classroom teacher

♦ Assist in the supervision of students during lunch, recess, when students are entering or leaving buses or while otherwise on Academy premises, including duty with extended day before and/or after regular school hours within the duty day as directed by the classroom teacher or administrator

♦ Apply Academy and classroom rules consistently and effectively

♦ Utilize positive and preventive discipline when directed by the classroom teacher

♦ Motivate and engage students

♦ Communicate expectations to students clearly

♦ Establish and maintain a positive classroom environment and school community conducive to learning

♦ Manage emergency situations confidently and calmly

♦ Supervise students within the Academy setting and on Academy grounds

Professional Relationships

♦ Strive to meet the individual needs of the whole child in each area of development including their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs

♦ Motivate students to perform well and respond promptly to student needs

♦ Maintain a positive relationship with the students, classroom teacher, colleagues, administration, and staff

♦ Inspire respect and trust

♦ Maintain a positive attitude; follow instructions; respond to management direction; request support as needed

Commitment

♦ Demonstrate commitment to the organization

♦ Adhere to Academy policies and procedures

♦ Meet attendance and punctuality guidelines

♦ Demonstrate commitment to quality

♦ Contribute personal skills, talent and experiences to enhance the classroom

♦ Communicate effectively with classroom teacher, parents and other staff members

♦ Maintain the tidiness of the classroom and workspace

Accountability

♦ Meet set objectives

♦ Meet commitments, especially when they impact others

♦ Take responsibility for own actions

♦ Require minimum supervision and direction

♦ Identify problems promptly and offer alternative solutions

♦ Use resources efficiently and effectively

♦ Communicate to the classroom teacher any and all areas of concern regarding students; escalate to the Dean of Academics or Executive Director if necessary

Qualifications:

♦ Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment:

♦ Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or

♦ Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate

♦ Must have experience with students

♦ Criminal records clearance

Physical Demands & Work Environment

In order to successfully perform the essential duties of this job, the employee would ideally be able to meet the following physical demands:

♦ Occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

♦ Stand and walk frequently.

♦ Withstand all demands presented by outside weather conditions at any time of the year.

♦ Withstand a moderate noise level.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Paraprofessional: Kindergarten