Paraeducator ESL

Job Title: Paraeducator-ESL

Position Function: ESL Paraeducator helps to deliver educational programs in the elementary, middle, or high schools by supporting the teacher working with individual, or groups of students. The development of the ESL Paraeducator’s role is to link academic assistance, communication and/or understanding between the school, classroom teacher, families and community by assisting at the school conferences, gatherings or events. They will provide assistance and support to ESOL and Migrant students during a seven (7) hour schedule.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Will spend 6.5 hours of their time in the classroom
• Assists students with lessons under direct supervision of classroom teacher
• Assists students and reinforce concepts for individuals or small groups
• Works with teachers to modify activities to meet individual student’s needs and develop academic language
• Performs formal and/or informal assessment activities after training by ESOL or district staff
• Assists teachers in monitoring, collecting data, and maintaining records regarding student performance and progress
• Assists in the maintenance of learning areas and/or learning centers and instructional materials.
• Displays patience and understanding while managing children
• Understands and is sensitive to the obstacles facing the children under your supervision
• Teaches self-help, problem solving and/or coping skills
• Recognizes individual learning styles and become knowledgeable of the characteristics of learners you serve (e.g. cultural background, language proficiency, mobility, and family dynamics)
• Documents parent contacts and inform appropriate personnel. Many contacts are required for students’ supplemental services
• All instructional activities must take place under the direct supervision of a certificated teacher that serves ESOL and/or Migrant identified students
• Bilingual ESOL/Migrant Paraeducators may provide translation/interpretation services and provide assistance to individual students in their native language
• Bilingual ESOL/Migrant Paraeducators may be pulled from the classroom to translate or interpret for the office or other areas in the school for a minimal time within the work day and only when the District Translations Team members are unavailable
• An ESOL/Migrant Paraeducator must work 6.5 hours with ESOL and/or Migrant students. The remaining time, which should not exceed 30 minutes per day, may be used for any of the following:
• Monitor students during Breakfast or Lunch
• Provide parent communication (via phone call, email, or note)
• Supervise Buses as needed
• Accompany and supervise students during activities in school gymnasium, laboratories, libraries, resource centers, etc.
• Accompany and supervise students during Field Trips (only if approved by the principal or designee with input from the lead ESOL teacher)
• Run copies, grading papers and/or laminating, generating computer reports
• Attendance at ESOL workshops and in-services are required if held during school hours

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Must be able to work in various weather conditions- supervision of students at the start or the end of the school day, at recess and at buses may be required
• Must be able to walk long distances (inside school and on playground), stand for long periods of time, sit for long periods of time and climb steps
• Must be able to sit with students at small tables and chairs and on occasion on the floor
• Be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 20 pounds

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of various philosophies and theories of education
• Knowledge and skills in working within a multidisciplinary context
• Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information
• Ability to communicate effectively with a Supervisor when their discretion is needed
• Ability to perform as an effective team player
• Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the building
• Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude
• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Display a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of company’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Demonstrate proficiency and literacy skills in another language (for jobs defined as bilingual only)
• Must pass the Para PD Now Test

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt