Kindergarten Instructional Paraprofessional

Waltham Public Schools•Waltham, MA

About The Position

The Kindergarten Instructional Paraprofessional assists teachers in delivering instruction to students. The role supports student learning under the teacher’s direction and helps maintain a safe, supportive, and well-organized classroom and school environment. The paraprofessional works the same hours and days as teachers in the school and is supervised by the principal and/or director. The position includes supporting assigned student goals and activities, helping students with teacher-assigned academic tasks, reinforcing classroom expectations, monitoring student safety, and contributing to positive relationships among students, families, and school personnel. The paraprofessional is expected to maintain professional standards, protect confidential information, complete assigned duties, and participate in ongoing professional development. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three current letters of recommendation. Salary is according to the WEA contract.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Demonstrated ability to work with students under the direction of a teacher.
Ability to follow directions effectively and promptly.
Familiarity with student instructional and disciplinary procedures.
Ability to implement assigned tasks and activities.
Diligence in monitoring students’ safety and security.
Ability to support and reinforce the teacher’s expectations for students.
Ability to relate to students as a caring adult and work with them on teacher-assigned academic tasks.
Clear and appropriate speaking and writing skills.
Ability to accept constructive criticism and apply suggestions for improvement.
Good attendance, as attendance is necessary for effective learning.

Nice To Haves

Two years of higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in delivering instruction to students.
Implement student goals, objectives, tasks, and activities under the direction of the teacher.
Use educational materials properly and help maintain a pleasant, neat, and well-organized classroom.
Complete scheduled duties and paperwork promptly.
Monitor students’ safety and security and provide a safe, supportive learning environment.
Work with students on academic tasks assigned by the teacher and reinforce teacher expectations.
Relate to students of varied proficiency, support their self-concept, guide them toward self-control, and provide structure in the school setting.
Remain approachable to students and parents as needed and contribute to positive school-home relationships.
Maintain professional competence through in-service activities and ongoing professional development.
Adhere to professional academic, ethical, and social standards; communicate clearly; accept constructive criticism and apply suggestions for improvement.
Use confidential information only for professional purposes and respond equitably and sensitively to all learners.
Promote positive working relationships with school personnel and exchange ideas, skills, techniques, and materials.
Work effectively with administrative personnel; accept and implement school and district decisions; fulfill assigned duties and out-of-class responsibilities; and comply with department procedures and school committee policies.