Para Title Instruction Support

Job Title: Para Title Instruction Support

Position Function: Assist the classroom teacher with instruction of basic academic skills to students and performs tasks as identified by Kansas State Department of Education, the Wichita Public Schools and the curriculum established at the site. Discusses assigned teaching area with the classroom teacher to coordinate instructional efforts. Plans, prepares, and develops various teaching aides, such as books, graphs, charts, or other teaching tools to stimulate learning. Presents subject matter to students, utilizing a variety of methods and techniques, such as lecture, discussion, and supervised role play. May be required to administer and grade examinations. Assists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts. Assists in the maintaining of order in the classroom and on the playground. Provide lessons as instructed by the teacher in a specific subject area, such as English, mathematics, reading, writing, and social skills. Confers with other staff members to plan programs designed to promote educational, physical, and social development. Observes, evaluates, and prepares reports on the progress of students. Must have an understanding of educational tools and be able to operate equipment designed for providing education. Provide a safe and healthful environment for students and staff. Perform various tasks as assigned by the principal or teacher.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Directs activities designed to reinforce concepts for individuals or small groups
• Assists students with individual assignments
• Works with teachers to modify activities to meet individual student's needs
• Performs informal assessment activities
• Assists teachers in collecting data and maintaining records regarding student performance
• Assists in the maintenance of learning centers and instructional materials
• All instructional activities must take place under the direct supervision of a certified teacher
• In addition, bilingual Paraeducators may provide translation and interpretation services and provides assistance to individual students in their native language

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Be able to work in various weather conditions
• Be able to react immediately to an emergency situation for the safety and welfare of the students and staff, which may include the use of physical restraint technique
• Be able to walk long distances, stand for long periods, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps and reach overhead
• Possess the manual dexterity, physical ability and stamina for a full day of physical activity
• Be able to see and hear well
• Able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 20 pounds on a regular basis

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate proficiency and literacy skills in another language (for jobs defined as bilingual only)
• Ability to follow daily directions, and accurately communicate program information to the public
• Ability to perform and meet deadlines, submit well-written accurate reports and work in a calm and efficient manner
• Ability to work with a diverse population
• Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information
• Ability to communicate effectively with a Supervisor when their discretion is needed
• Ability to perform as an effective team player
• Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the building
• Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude
• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Display a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Paras working in a Title School must have a minimum of 48 accredited college credits verifiable with a transcript or pass a state approved assessment
• Associate's Degree preferred
• At least 1 year of experience in a related field preferred

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt