PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Structured Learning Environment Paraprofessional supports the classroom teacher in managing and implementing specialized instructional programs for students with challenging behavior. The primary goal is to assist in maintaining a safe, supportive, and structured environment, promoting positive behavior and academic success for students with emotional or behavioral challenges.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Associate’s degree, two years of study at an institution of higher learning, or have met formal academic assessment as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

Instructional Support

1. Collaborate and communicate with teachers, specialist, and administrators to support the academic and behavioral goals of students.
2. Provide small group and one on one instruction as needed.
3. Modify assignments and materials to meet student needs, under the direction of the teacher.

Behavioral Support

4. Manage student behavior in crisis situations.
5. Assist teachers with behavior management.
6. Support students in managing and de-escalating challenging behaviors using approved intervention strategies.
7. Assist in tracking and documenting student behavior for data collection and progress monitoring.

Supervision and Safety

8. Maintain a safe and structured classroom environment by keeping the room neat and orderly.
9. Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
10. Help supervise students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
11. Monitor students during transitions and ensure their safety during arrival, dismissal, and any off-campus activities.
12. Provide physical assistance to students in crisis situations, including restraining if necessary, according to district policy and safety guidelines.
13. Communicate with the classroom teacher regarding student progress, concerns and needs.

Other

14. Implement classroom management strategies to promote a positive learning environment, including use of positive reinforcement techniques.
15. Participate in faculty meeting and special events as assigned.
16. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking and reaching

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. 

Work Days: 183 days (days will be prorated to actual days worked)

Start Date: Octocber 2024

Salary: District Salary Compensation Plan