Multilingual English Learner Student Support Paraprofessional
The Multilingual English Learner (MEL) Student Support Paraprofessional provides academic, linguistic, and cultural support to English Learner students in a variety of classroom and school settings. This role works closely with the MEL Facilitator and/or ELD teachers, general education teachers, and school staff to ensure equitable access to curriculum and a supportive learning environment for Multilingual English Learner students. The MEL Paraprofessional will also be involved in administering language proficiency assessments to determine students’ performance levels and to identify language acquisition needs. Additionally, The MEL para facilitate communication between students, families, and school staff, including interpretation and translation when appropriate.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide direct instructional support to Multilingual English Learner students under the supervision of the school administrator and/or licensed staff.
- Assist in the delivery of differentiated instruction and language development activities within the general classroom setting.
- Support Newcomer students by providing essential orientation, registration assistance, and access to district and school resources to ensure a smooth and informed transition into the educational system.
- Support students in understanding classroom content, assignments, and assessments.
- Facilitate communication between students, families, and school staff, including interpretation and translation when appropriate and qualified.
- Help monitor student progress and provide feedback to admin, school building facilitators, and teachers.
- Work collaboratively with school administrators, school specialists, students' teachers, counselors, and other school personnel to ensure that English Learners’ academic and social-emotional needs are being met.
- Meet individually with multilingual English learner students to check on academic progress (grades, homework, attendance, etc.) based on referrals or at-risk determinations.
- Document students' academic progress, attendance tracking, and other requested data tracking documentation needs.
- Assist with English proficiency assessments such as WIDA screenings and WIDA ACCESS testing processes.
- Support school and district efforts to communicate and involve MEL families which may include translation support for school meetings and/or events.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to district policies and procedures.
- Attend district and school training related to paraprofessional qualifications and skills.
Additional Skills
- Bilingual skills – Fluent in Spanish is preferred.
- Ability to carry out instructions provided in written or oral form.
- Ability to report work orally or in written form to supervisor is essential.
- Ability to check email daily and respond via email when necessary.
- Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and continually maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, students, and MEL families.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, families, employees, and others.
- Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with English Learner students.
- Willing to adjust and/or change based on supervisory feedback.
- Must work well independently with self-initiative and organization skills.
Equipment
Travel Requirements
Work Environment
Qualifications
A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge and skills for successful job performance will be considered.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required (submit diploma or certification within the job application)
- Title I School Requirement (if applicable): To work at a Title I school, candidates must meet the Highly Qualified Paraprofessional standard by fulfilling one of the following:
- Hold an Associate’s degree (if applicable, upload evidence within job application)
- Have completed at least 48 college or university credit hours (if applicable, upload transcript within the job application)
- Successfully pass the MasterTeacher Paraprofessional exams within 3 months of being hired
- Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
*This position is funded by a state and/or federal grant, which is considered a soft funded source. Continuation of the role each school year is contingent on an annual review and ongoing availability of funds.
Contract:
- 25 hours per week, student-contact days (approximately 177 school days), Time Card
- Support Professional Employees Salary Schedule 2025-2026: Level E Rate 1 ($15.85/hr starting pay); additional pay for Associate and/or Bachelor Degrees
- Not Benefit Eligible
