Middle School Paraprofessional at Newport School District

Paraprofessional II
Hours per day:  7.0
Days per week:  5
Days per year:  197 (includes holidays)

Position Goal:    

The Special Education Paraprofessional provides student assistance for students 3 to 22 years of age under the professional guidance and supervision of Special Education Teachers. Special Education Paraprofessionals work in district schools and in some cases alternative settings per the student’s individual education program. Special Education Paraprofessionals work with children individually or in small groups by providing basic instruction in abilities and skills developmentally appropriate to the student(s). Responsibilities may include one student or multiple students as assigned.  

Reports to:                

Education, Training, Skills, Experience, & Licensure Requirements: 

• NH Paraeducator I or II certification or eligibility for certification               – NH Paraeducator II certification is required for both elementary/middle school positions

• Experience with children in a professional/school setting.

• Requires knowledge in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, behavior management, life skills, and educational professionalism to assist student instruction as specified in the state professional educator certification. The Special Education Paraprofessional supports the classroom environment by understanding the following: 

• Child developmental stages from birth to age 22 

• Various factors that might prohibit typical child development

• Different learning styles

• Family influence on childhood learning and development 

• Variety of teaching strategies

• Necessity of sensitivity

• Range of classroom and behavior management strategies

• Variety of student learning assessments

• Various approaches to instruction, and

• Applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedural safeguards.

• Requires demonstration of strong collaborative skills to work as part of a classroom team to support student/classroom learning and activities, problem solving skills to support student success, people skills in a service-oriented educational environment, verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills to balance demands of a multi-tasking position, and technology skills in the areas of office software, student educational software, student database software, student assistive learning software, and office equipment operation.

• Requires excellent attention to detail and follow through to meet student and classroom responsibilities and significant confidential responsibilities due to student and staff issues. Requires the ability to maintain a flexible schedule and the physical ability to safely assist students with disabilities.