Summary

The Paraprofessional supports student learning, development, and success by working collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education staff, specialists, and administrators. The paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, and organizational support to students while helping maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment. 

Days / Hours

• 7:30-3:00
• Full-time, school-year position

Pay Rate

Hourly wage of $14.58, hired through EduStaff

 

Reporting Relationships

The Paraprofessional reports to the Building Principal and works under the direction and supervision of the assigned classroom teacher and/or other designated school staff. The paraprofessional collaborates with teachers, specialists, and support staff to provide appropriate instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, and student support.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

 

The Paraprofessional supports student learning, development, and success by working collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education staff, specialists, and administrators. The paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, and organizational support to students while helping maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide individual and small-group academic support under the direction of the classroom teacher and/or appropriate instructional staff.
• Reinforce classroom instruction, assist students with assignments, and support students in developing independence and confidence as learners.
• Assist students with classroom routines, transitions, organization, and successful participation in learning activities.
• Support students in meeting academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and organizational goals.
• Implement teacher-directed interventions, accommodations, and behavior-support strategies.
• Reinforce school-wide expectations and PBIS practices, including the school's 3 R's: Respectful, Responsible, and Resilient.
• Assist students in developing self-regulation, problem-solving, communication, and positive social skills.
• Maintain active supervision of students and promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
• Assist with student supervision during arrival, dismissal, recess, lunch, specials, field trips, and other school activities as assigned.
• Provide personal care or health-related assistance to students when required and appropriately trained.
• Assist teachers with preparation of instructional materials, classroom organization, and learning activities.
• Observe and communicate relevant information regarding student academic performance, behavior, progress, and needs to the appropriate staff.
• Collaborate professionally with teachers, specialists, support staff, administrators, and families as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.
• Participate in required meetings, professional development, and training.
• Follow all district policies, school procedures, safety protocols, and applicable student plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building administrator.

Desired Qualities

The successful candidate will demonstrate patience, flexibility, dependability, strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to build supportive relationships with elementary students. The candidate should be able to work effectively as part of a team, respond calmly to challenging situations, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to helping every student succeed. 

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience working with children in a school, childcare, or similar setting preferred.
• Experience working with students with diverse academic, behavioral, social-emotional, or developmental needs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and positively with elementary-age students.
• Additional education, training, or experience related to working with children is desirable.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students, staff, families, and administrators.
• Ability to read, write, and understand written and verbal directions.
• Basic math skills necessary to support elementary students with classroom learning activities.
• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with students and work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to remain patient, calm, and flexible when responding to student needs and challenging situations.
• Ability to follow classroom, student, and district procedures and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to use good judgment and problem-solving skills in a variety of school situations.
• Ability to support and reinforce classroom expectations, school-wide behavior expectations, and student interventions.
• Ability to work effectively with students of varying academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental needs.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and demonstrate a positive, supportive attitude toward students and colleagues. 

Physical Demands

The employee must be able to perform the physical activities necessary to support students and carry out daily classroom and school responsibilities. These activities may include standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, lifting, and assisting students as needed. The employee must be able to communicate verbally and hear effectively in a school environment, including areas with background noise. The position requires the ability to use hands and arms to handle classroom materials and equipment and may occasionally require climbing or balancing. The employee must have sufficient vision for close, distance, and peripheral viewing. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 30–40 pounds as required by job responsibilities. 

Work Environment

The employee works in a school environment and regularly interacts with students, staff, and families. The position requires working in a variety of classroom and school settings and may involve exposure to common childhood illnesses. The employee may be responsible for supporting the safety, well-being, learning, and successful participation of students. The work environment may include moderate noise, frequent student movement, and situations requiring flexibility and the ability to respond calmly to changing needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Morenci Area Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, height, weight, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable federal or state law.

Morenci Area Schools is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment.