LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Minneapolis Public Schools•Minneapolis, MN

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, assists students in school classrooms with educational programs and assignments, provides assistance to Teachers as directed, and assists students with after-school and special education programs, and special events. This position requires a passing level on the ACFTL oral language proficiency test. Bilingual Somali: Assist licensed staff as an interpreter to facilitate the provision of health, education, or other services to non-English speaking, limited English speaking and/or bilingual/bicultural community members.

Requirements

Completion of 90 quarter/60 semester college credits OR A passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND a high school diploma/GED certificate
Two (2) years of professional experience working with children; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
Knowledge of applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
Knowledge of classroom policies, procedures and processes.
Knowledge of methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics.
Knowledge of methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
Knowledge of specialized MPS and state agency software applications and procedures.
Knowledge of local community resources and regional community services programs.
Knowledge of principles of record keeping and records management.
Knowledge of personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software.
Knowledge of safety rules and regulations.
Skill in monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
Skill in assisting children and special needs students, and assessing educational needs.
Skill in maintaining composure, and working effectively under classroom conditions.
Skill in administering educational and school support programs.
Skill in reacting quickly to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
Skill in communicating effectively with children.
Skill in collaborating as a team member, with colleagues, staff and community representatives.
Skill in following verbal and written instructions.
Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, clients and community agencies.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Passing level on the ACFTL oral language proficiency test.

Nice To Haves

If assigned to bilingual class designation, knowledge of specific language assigned
If assigned to bilingual class designation, skill in specific language assigned.
A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
First Aid, CPR, and AED training is required within one year of hire.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training may be required within one year of hire, based on assignment.

Responsibilities

Assists students with educational programs and special assignments; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties will vary according to job assignment.
Assists MPS teachers and staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe and productive learning environment; works with students to reinforce classroom learning and improve personal skills; assists teachers with managing classroom, materials and student behavior.
Assists students in learning processes; reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages socialization and good communications.
Administers a variety of school programs, student services, community services, special assignments, and educational programs in support of MPS goals; including MPS program outreach & marketing, grant program oversight, bi-lingual & hearing-impaired translator/interpreter, student testing, after-school activities, recreation programs, media & technology, security, student behavior support, community relations, transportation, mentoring & tutoring, volunteers, attendance & truancy, English Language Learning, vocational training, accounting & budgets, and special events.
Monitors and supervises student activities; promotes respect, supports diversity, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
Assists students to achieve learning objectives with individual assistance and small group sessions.
Monitors assigned students, and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files, and keeps records of student progress and activities; assures all required written reports are completed and submitted on a daily basis.
Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
Communicates with parents, students and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.
Provides general office and administrative support for assigned program.
Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis.
At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.