2026-27 Special Education Paraprofessional - Tier 1, Linden West Elementary School

Paraprofessional - Special Education Tier 1

Purpose Statement

The job of Paraprofessional - Special Education Tier 1 is done for the purpose/s of assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in the classroom; assisting students by modeling the skills necessary to perform assignments; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel.

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 tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Communicates with teachers and/or appropriate community agency personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Evaluates students during the course of the school day for the purpose of taking action and/or providing referral for resolution to teacher.
• Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, instructional programs, and lesson plans (e.g. reading, math, language, comprehension, writing, computer, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Maintains 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. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, library, drills, field trips, assemblies, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining 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, as needed, or assigned, (e.g. attendance, grading, data collection record keeping, etc.) for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
• Prepares, under the supervision of assigned teacher, research-based lessons appropriate for individuals or small groups, as needed or assigned, for the purpose of implementing goals for remediation of deficits.
• Promotes good study, social, and emotional habits for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes.
• Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of one-on-one and group settings (e.g. reading, math, spelling, self-esteem, behavioral skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of implementing goals for remediation of student deficiencies and ensuring student''s success.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and instructional techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining appropriate instructional approach for students.
• Responds to behavioral situations in and out of the classroom for the purpose of providing appropriate interventions and/or refering to appropriate 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.
• Responds to inquiries for the purpose of solving problems, providing information, and/or referral.
• Responds to student crisis situations for the purpose of de-escalating students an complying with BIPs. 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.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned 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; age appropriate activities; and health and safety standards.

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: adhering to safety practiced; operating standard office equipment including computers and pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or 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: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job''s functions. 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 35% sitting, 35% walking, 30% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

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-sixty college hours from an accredited college or university is required, pass the Paraprofessional test in the State of Missouri or Missouri 20-hour Online Substitute Training Program.

Required Testing

None Specified

Certificates and Licenses

Substitute Certificate

Continuing Educ./Training

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances

Criminal Background Clearance

FLSA Status

Non Exempt