25-26 Whittier Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional na Norman Public Schools

Job Title: Special Education Paraprofessional

Credentials:

1. Tier 1 (Title 1) Paraprofessional Requirements (at least one of the following):

    

   • Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education (at least 48 hours of college coursework).

   • Obtained an associate’s degree (or higher).

   • Taken and passed the WorkKeys test, ParaPro test, or the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET).

2. Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate or a willingness to complete the Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements and obtain the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate within 120 days of your employment start date. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination.

Tier 2 (Special Education) Paraprofessional Requirements (all must be completed to obtain and maintain the certificate):
 

• Complete the Oklahoma Special Education Paraprofessional Training at a Career Tech Center, State-approved LEA training, or training modules in PEPPER.

• Complete and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.

• Complete training in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens.

• Complete an additional 6 hours of professional development in Universal Precautions/Bloodborne Pathogens each school year after initial certification.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED. College hours are helpful in meeting Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements.

Training/Experience Required:

• Meets Tier 1 Paraprofessional Requirements. Previous work or volunteer experience with children, teenagers, and/or clerical experience preferred.

Reports to: Building Principal

Contract: 175 days

Salary Schedule: Teacher’s Assistant

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist with instruction and activities for individuals or groups as assigned by the teacher.

• Supervise students in instructional settings, off-campus activities, and during non-instructional activities such as recess, assemblies, emergency drills, lunch periods, etc.

• Supervise students in the teacher’s absence.

• Prepare, create, or adapt instructional materials as directed by the teacher. Prepare bulletin boards and other teaching aids.

• Assist students with assignments and provide setup and operation of equipment for instructional purposes.

• Serve as the main point of contact for substitute teachers.

• Assist teachers with student behavior management strategies and respond appropriately to students when necessary.

• Alert the teacher to special needs of students.

• May assist students with external feedings (e.g., feeding tubes) or with personal care (e.g., toiletry needs, catheterization, diaper changes).

• Assist students with boarding and exiting transportation or supervise students prior to or after exiting transportation on school grounds.

• Perform housekeeping duties within the classroom to ensure it remains neat and clean. Tasks may include washing dishes, disinfecting toys and tables, and defrosting freezers.

• Prepare snacks for students as required.

• May ride the afternoon bus route to supervise student behavior on the bus.

• Operate photocopiers, laminators, duplicators, and computers as needed. Assist teachers with obtaining supplies for scheduled activities.

• Assist teachers with compiling and sending home students’ work, including weekly letters to parents as required.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good customer service and interpersonal skills to handle problems and provide information and assistance as needed.

• Ability to comply with safety guidelines and policies to ensure safety and reduce accidents or injury to staff and students.

• Adhere to school dress standards, proper attendance/leave policies, and work habits.

• Creativity, initiative, and effective problem-solving skills are essential to success in this role.

• Ability to exercise discretion, ingenuity, and independent judgment in completing tasks, given the complexity of the job.