DESCRIPTION

The paraprofessional assists with providing appropriate educational opportunities and instruction for each student, according to the guidelines established by the VI Department of Education. An employee in this class is required to perform a variety of routine and generalized work, assisting teachers in providing supportive learning environments, and protecting the safety, health, and well-being of learners and staff. The paraprofessional works under the direct supervision of a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, or principal.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)

• Supervises children on school grounds in the playground, lunchroom and study periods;
• Makes lunch reports and assists in the correction of objective tests;
• Assists in maintaining good behavior of children on the way to and from the classroom, lunchroom and other areas;
• Assists with instruction in subject area(s) as assigned by the teacher;
• Assists in distributing, collecting and storing materials and equipment as requested by the teacher;
• Assists in recording attendance, filing and maintaining updated catalog material;
• May assist with pre-assigned or selected lesson reviews in teacher’s absence;
• Tends to toiletry needs and nurses illnesses, especially of younger children;
• Provides assistance to students to facilitate learning;
• Participates in staff development though participation in training, workshops, and conferences, as appropriate;
• Assists in the preparation of visual aid materials for instruction as determined by teacher; and may operate audio-visual equipment;
• Assists in the school library by reading and storytelling;
• May participate as a team member with professional colleagues for school-based enhancement of instructional initiatives;
• May accompany teacher on field trips to educational-related sites;
• May carry out specific assignments as required by teacher or at the discretion of the school administrator;
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED)

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and the policies and practices of the V.I. Department of Education;
• Knowledge (basic) of content areas/subjects;
• Knowledge of the behaviors pertaining to student age and growth process;
• Knowledge and awareness of ethical and confidential conduct in on-the-job relationships;
• Ability to communicate knowledge to others;
• Ability to read and write using grammatically correct construction;
• Ability to follow oral and written directions and to maintain simple records;
• Ability to follow clearly written lesson plans;
• Ability to manage classroom and time;
• Ability to work cooperatively with students, staff, administrators, parents and others;
• Ability to be tolerant, and patient under stressful situations.

FACTOR II: SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

• Works under the direct supervision of a Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor, Teacher or other designated person;
• Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisor;
• Work is reviewed through classroom visits, periodic reports and achievement of objectives.