Special Education / Building Paraeducator

Port Huron Area School District•Port Huron, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education / Building Paraeducator works at Roosevelt Elementary School, partnering in the instructional process and supporting students with special education needs. The position assists with educational plans prescribed by students’ IEPs and helps promote students’ safety, self-esteem, and academic growth. The paraeducator may provide assistance and instruction related to personal hygiene, toileting, health and fitness, and community living, and may participate in field trips, home visits, and relevant summer or after-school in-service activities. The role requires flexibility to respond to assignment changes in emergency situations, as determined by the building principal, and professional conduct when working with the community and employee groups. The schedule is 6.67 hours, from 8:10 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., for 191 days per year. The position is effective immediately. Salary is as per negotiated agreement.

Requirements

For paraeducators working in programs supported by Title I/31a funds, meet at least one of the following: high school graduation or equivalent (GED); an associate’s degree or 60 semester hours at an institution of higher education; or meet a rigorous quality standard by passing an approved state or local academic assessment.
Approved assessment options listed include the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Paraeducator Readiness Exam or original Basic Skills Test; SAT scores of at least 480 in evidence-based reading and writing and 530 in mathematics in lieu of the Basic Skills Test or Professional Readiness Exam; or the ETS ParaPro Assessment with a passing score of 460.
Be trained in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) or willing to be trained.
Be able to bend, twist, stoop, squat, and lift up to 50 pounds to assist students, if needed.
For Title I or skipped Title I schools, achieve one of the listed qualifications before hire; otherwise, the applicant will be hired as a substitute until the qualification is achieved.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental characteristics of students in special education.
Communicate appropriately with students, parents, and staff.
Provide assistance and instruction in personal hygiene, toileting, health and fitness, and community living, as needed.
Participate in field trips and home visits when necessary.
Attend summer or after-school in-service activities that pertain to meeting the needs of special education students, as needed.
Promote positive self-esteem and encourage academic growth.
Use good judgment to provide for the safety of students and staff.
Respond flexibly to changes in assignment in emergency situations as determined by the building principal.
Maintain confidentiality of student information as required by FERPA.
Assist in carrying out educational plans prescribed by IEPs.
Provide the physical strength and stamina needed to meet the needs of students in special education.
Perform other related duties or tasks necessary to support student and program success.
Conduct oneself professionally and project a positive public image of the school district when dealing with community members and employee groups.