Paraprofessional

TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL - Payette Primary School QUALIFICATIONSAt least two years of college-level coursework or an Associate's Degree in education or a related fieldPrevious aide or teaching experience preferredAbility to lift up to forty pounds and push and pull up to one hundred poundsKnowledge of child growth and the diverse needs of children with disabilitiesKnowledge of appropriate special education classroom practicesThe ability to work with students with emotional, physical, and mental disabilitiesAbility to instruct students one-on-one and in small group situations, at the direction of the Special Education TeacherStrong background in teaching methods and developmentally appropriate classroom activitiesDemonstrated knowledge of subject matter and effective teaching methodsKnowledgeable about word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and reportsAbility to maintain a learning environmentWorks well with students, staff, and the publicExcellent organizational skillsExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsAble to work under pressure and deadlinesMaintain confidentiality of staff and students PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY TO Special Education Teacher and/or Classroom Teacher and Director of Special ServicesJOB SUMMARYAssists the classroom teacher and/or special education teacher in achieving the goals and objectives as stated on each child's current Individual Education Plan (IEP) through individual, small group, or whole group instruction.MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESWorking with StudentsMaintain high academic standards and expectationsRepeat lessons to Title I students who were absent for that lessonProvide tutorial help to students following lessons prescribed by the teacher and reinforce material and skills using a variety of methods as directed by certified staffProvide immediate feedback on student performanceRespond to students' questions and requests for assistanceObserve students' work and study habitsObserve and record students' time on task when neededAssist students in locating prescribed instructional materials and starting their assignmentsAssist the classroom teacher in the delivery of an effective instructional programWork with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material and skills introduced by the teacherHelp students master the equipment or instructional materials assigned by the teacherProvide individualized instruction activities using materials and sequences selected by the special education teacher and other related services personnelIdentify pupil needs and provide instruction appropriate to those needsFollow modifications and accommodations as specified in IEPsAdminister informal assessments to accommodate students' specific modifications at the direction of a certified teacherAssist with such large group activities as drill and practice, reading aloud, and storytelling, and participate in other forms of oral communication with studentsGuide independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work assigned by the teacherAssist students in the library or media centerCheck notebooks, correct papers, and supervise testing and make-up work as assigned by the teacher.Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field tripsAdminister, score, and record such achievement and diagnostic tests as the teacher recommends for individual studentsEncourage students to strive to meet their highest potentialCommunicate classroom rules, and encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior Other Classroom Assistance Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on an understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilitiesAlert the supervising teacher to any problem or special information about an individual studentServe as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacherKeep the supervising teacher informed of activities and any issues that may ariseOperate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposesDistribute and collect workbooks, papers, and other materials for instructionEngage children in conversation to encourage language developmentTake all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilitiesMeet the personal needs of children with disabilities including toileting, feeding, locomotion, and health needsAssist, where appropriate, in loading and unloading the special education pupil from transportation buses or vans Other Keep accurate records and maintain individual records for each studentBecome familiar with basic special education knowledge as covered by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act with an emphasis on due process procedures and confidentiality of information and recordsComplete clerical duties as assigned by the supervising teacherAttend faculty meetings as requiredKeep immediate supervisor informed of activities and problemsAssume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development through such efforts as reading professional journals and other publicationsSeek assistance should emergencies ariseRepresent the school district in a positive mannerKnow and follow school district policy and chain of commandPerform other duties as assignedEVALUATIONPerformance of this position will be evaluated annually by the classroom teacher and/or special education teacher and/or the director of special services in conformance with any applicable federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy.COMPENSATIONSalary based on experience and skills. The position qualifies for benefits which include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, PERSI retirement, paid vacation, as well as access to optional ancillary insurance and retirement products.TERMS OF EMPLOYMENTThis position shall be considered in all respects "employment at will". The "employment period" and other descriptions and terms set forth in this job description shall not create a property right for the employee. These are set forth only to advise the employee of when and what type of services will be required by the district so long as the employment continues.