Instructional Paraprofessional

Position Purpose Derby Public Schools is seeking a dedicated and student-focused Instructional Paraeducator to support middle school students in an inclusive and engaging learning environment. The paraeducator will work under the supervision of certified staff to provide instructional and behavioral support to students with diverse learning needs, ensuring they can successfully access their education.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision when necessary.
• Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• May assist in the training of other paraprofessionals.

Additional Duties:

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards Works in standard office and school building environments.

Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Requires standing, walking, and assisting students throughout the school day.

May involve supporting students with mobility, personal care, or behavioral needs as necessary.

Qualifications Profile

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree, 60 college credits, or passing score on the ParaPro Assessment preferred.
• Experience working with middle school-aged students, particularly in an educational setting, is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, teachers, and staff in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow teacher directions, implement accommodations, and provide individualized student support.
• Patience, flexibility, and a commitment to fostering student success.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

The Derby Board of Education (the “Board”) will not make employment decisions (including decisions related to hiring, assignment, compensation, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action and termination) on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, alienage, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law (“Protected Class”), except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.