Para-Educator, Special Education

Culpeper County School District • Culpeper, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of an administrator and the general direction of a classroom teacher, the Para-Educator assists with educating students, including behavior management, hygiene and self-help, recordkeeping, instructional support, classroom safety and organization, and communication with students, staff, and administration. The role provides academic and behavioral support to students with IEPs in general and special education settings and implements teacher-directed instructional and behavior plans.

Work is typically performed at the school level and throughout the division, with both indoor and outdoor conditions. The role involves regular contact with staff, administrators, and parents, including in-person and telephone communication. Timely and regular attendance is expected. Performance is evaluated by the supervisor based on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the responsibilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Evidence of successful completion of the Para-Professional Assessment, covering mathematics, reading, writing, and understanding how to assist with instruction in these areas, or equivalent training, education, and/or experience.
• Ability to read and understand instructions, teaching materials, and guides.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse populations.
• Ability to supervise students successfully and follow instructions with minimal direction.
• Ability to follow and give clear directions, work independently within established guidelines, and make decisions within those guidelines.
• Ability to work without immediate supervision during direct one-on-one and small-group instruction and to work in a team environment.
• Ability to carry out behavior-management plans and conduct academic progress monitoring and testing.
• Ability to adapt to the individual needs of teachers and students and work with interruptions.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to understand and maintain the confidentiality of student information.
• Ability to perform general clerical duties, including recordkeeping and filing.
• Ability to accept, understand, and relate to students with behavioral, emotional, learning, or physical disabilities.
• Ability to assist students in using classroom computers and to use standard office and classroom equipment.
• Ability to physically perform duties specific to the job assignment, with or without accommodations.
• Willingness to be trained and updated in first aid and CPR, safety and security, and behavior-management procedures.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting up to approximately 40 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel to schools throughout the division and to the central office.
• Timely and regular attendance and adherence to the workplace schedule.

Responsibilities

• Observe and supervise classroom activities during the instructional day to maintain a controlled and safe environment.
• Assist the teacher with classroom setup and cleanup for instruction, projects, and activities.
• Provide one-on-one and group instruction after initial instruction by the teacher.
• Monitor students during bathroom breaks, lunch, recess, and field trips.
• Assist students with self-help, gross motor, and social skills in classroom settings.
• Assist students to and from buses and parent pickup and drop-off.
• Communicate rules, expectations, and consequences to students.
• Reinforce classroom and individual behavior plans as directed by the teacher.
• Collect data on student progress as defined by the teacher.
• Provide struggling learners with prompts and cues related to teacher instruction.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records and reports, including attendance, student progress charts, lunch counts, emergency information, student files, and related forms.
• Provide coverage for teaching staff as needed.
• Maintain awareness of fire safety procedures, earthquake preparation, and other emergency contingency plans.
• Attend safety, security, and behavior-management training as requested.
• Provide academic and behavioral support for students with IEPs in general and special education settings.
• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans as directed.
• Model appropriate behavior for students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED