Paraeducator, Math en Howard County Public School System (HCPSS)

Description: 

Under the general supervision of the Secondary Mathematics Coordinator and direct supervision of the school based administrator and classroom teacher, the Mathematics Paraeducator works directly with students to assist them in strengthening mathematics skills as outlined in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) mathematics curriculum. Performance is evaluated annually.   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.  

Education  

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent (must scan and upload diploma or official transcript to online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here.  

Additional Requirements for Title I Schoolwide Program Schools  

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent and a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment.  

or  

• 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Experience working with students in a K-12 setting.   

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITES: 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.  

• Provides academic assistance to students as directed in one-to-one or in small groups. 

• Assists teachers in preparation of instructional materials. 

• Maintains accurate records to track the progress of assigned students.  

• Attends training sessions provided by the Office of Secondary Mathematics.  

• Assists in strengthening student’s mathematics identity and positive attitude toward mathematics.  

• Assists teachers in implementing lesson plans and in preparing instructional materials. 

• Prepares bulletin boards  

• Keeps track of individual student performance. 

• Operates various office machines. 

• Works effectively with students, including safely escorting and monitoring transitions throughout the school day, and upon arrival and departure in the cafeteria and/or on the playgrounds. 

• Locates and keeps inventory of learning resource equipment and materials. 

• Performs various clerical functions to include operating a computer, recordkeeping and attendance. 

• Assists with media resources to include the operation of audio-visual equipment and making of transparencies.  

• Participates in faculty meetings, discussions and planning, and may attend departmental meetings. 

• Schedules parent-teacher conferences and time for parent volunteers to assist in the classroom.  

• Assists teachers with student field trips.  

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality when discussing students’ progress and concerns with staff. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.  

• Ability to reinforce lesson plans to support the educational program for student(s).  

• Ability to follow directions from the teacher, which may include reinforcing instruction presented by the teacher.  

• Ability to provide personal attention to students on an individual basis.  

• Ability to work with small groups of students and assist with instruction.  

• Ability to discuss problems affecting students’ progress and with the teacher and, if so directed, with other professional staff.  

• Ability to carry out assignments to completion.  

• Ability to perform clerical work.  

• Possess basic knowledge of technology and keyboarding to support student learning.  

• Ability to demonstrate strong human relations skills.  

• Ability to demonstrate strong, positive communication and interaction skills when interacting with co-workers, students, administrators, parents and/or the community.  

• Ability to attend professional development sessions during the scheduled work day.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS   

Working Environment  

• School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions.  

• Exposure to high pitched/louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, students with more challenging behavior, etc.  

• May be required to assist with students exhibiting challenging behaviors including implementing a continuum of positive behavior supports.   

• May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students.  

Physical Requirements  

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or carry 50-75 pounds with assistance.  

• Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time.  

• Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements (e.g., push/move wheelchairs, walkers, wagons, etc.).  

• Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate standard office as well as student devices/equipment or classroom equipment.  

• Must be able to actively monitor and respond to students who elope from the classroom, school building, or other emergency situations. Including the ability to move quickly towards students who may elope from an assigned area.  

• Requires visual acuity to read and write printed materials and observe the activities of children.  

• Ability to hear, with or without use of hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation with others.  

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.  

Working Hours  

• The duty day for a full-time position is 7.5 hours per day including an unpaid, thirty-minute duty-free lunch.   

• Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location, as needed.  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS  

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  

SELECTION CRITERIA  

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.   

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION  

Compensation