El Instructional Paraprofessional Jobs

Position Title: EL Paraprofessional

Bargaining Unit: Grand Rapids Public Schools Paraprofessional

Association (GRPSPA)

Pay Rate: Determined by the collective bargaining agreement

Earning Days: Determined by the negotiated calendar

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

Summary Of Position

The EL Paraprofessional is responsible for working as a team member in providing a quality educational program for assigned students by providing additional time for the teacher to plan. The EL Paraprofessional is also responsible for certain non-instructional and concept/skill reinforcement tasks and providing students the opportunity for additional adult/student relationships.

Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following :

• Participation in 12 hours of EL Professional Development through the EL Department regarding the following:
• Assist in preparing displays of student work
• Develop technicquest on how to fully support the teacher and small group instruction
• Interact with co-workers, administration, students, parents & the commu­nity in positive, supportive and cooperative ways
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Assist teacher in maintaining a positive EL climate
• Responsible for actively participating in building activities, meetings, parent conferences, staffing, training, IEP, when appropriate, as determined by the building administration or the assigned certified teacher
• Responsible for informing the certified teacher of any specific needs or concerns regarding the students
• Responsible for carrying through on suggestions, as directed by the teacher
• Secure, set up and operate materials and equipment
• Assist with loading and unloading of buses and recess duty, when neces­sary
• Present lessons to individual students or small groups, assisting in all introductions of information and concepts, selection and preparation of materials, establishment of reward systems, as determined by the certified teacher. This includes work outdoors, all year round (all seasons)
• Understand specific duties related to the EL Paraprofessional
• When needed, assist with medical and grooming needs of students.
• Develop and understand of our ELs
• Acquire a basic understanding of SIOP
• Work outside each day for extended periods of time

This description is intended to describe the type and level of work performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required to be performed in the position.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment
• Obtained an associate's or higher degree; OR
• Demonstrated good attendance and punctuality
• Achieved a passing score on a MDE approved assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with students, parents, staff and community in a tactful and courteous manner
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Demonstrated ability to participate as a member of the team
• Demonstrated experience working with children
• Demonstrated good organizational skills
• Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 Credits); OR
• Demonstrated respect for the confidential requirements of information.
• Must have:

Ada Requirements

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to work in all outdoor environments, hot, cold, snow and rain. Must be able to withstand exposure to all types of weather.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment), taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being and work output of students.

Mental Functions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.

Method Of Application

Grand Rapids Public Schools manages employment applications online. Applications must be completed online at https://grps.tedk12.com/hire . No hardcopy applications/resumes will be accepted for this position. Computer terminals are available in the GRPS Franklin Campus lobby from 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Friday, for applicant use (Monday – Thursday during the summer).

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at 616 819-2022 or [email protected]