2026-27 Paraprofessional, Topping Elementary School

Paraprofessional

Purpose Statement

The job of Paraprofessional is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for working with individual and/or small groups of students; and providing clerical support to teacher/s and staff.

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Administers classroom assignments, tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
• Assists other areas as needed (e.g. office, counselor, library, recess, lunch, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of assigned area.
• Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lesson assignments (e.g. read stories, listen to students read, providing writing assistance, reinforce English lessons, provide spelling practice, facilitate activities, computer learning programs, etc.) for the purpose of practicing and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards.
• Communicates with teachers for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing objectives.
• Implements, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Maintains classroom equipment, work area, and manual and electronic files and records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; providing a safe learning environment; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, bus loading/unloading, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Participates in meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Performs routine clerical duties for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
• Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g. accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
• Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured student, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Serves as chief source of information for substitute teacher or as the substitute teacher for the purpose of implementing defined course of study left by the teacher.
• Supports classroom teachers and other school personnel for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of curriculum and teaching methodologies.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned (e.g. building support, recess and lunch clerk, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of instructional support.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; and age appropriate activities.

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job''s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 30% sitting, 45% walking, 25% standing. The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment.

Experience: Job related experience is desired.

Education (Preferred): A valid Missouri Teaching Certificate; Sixty college hours

Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: A minimum of thirty-six hours from an accredited college or university; or certificate of completion from approved Missouri 20-hour Online Substitute Training Program; or pass the Paraprofessional test in the State of Missouri.

Required Testing

None Specified

Certificates and Licenses

CPR/First Aid Certificate

Substitute Certificate

Continuing Educ./Training

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances

Criminal Background Clearance

FLSA Status

Non Exempt