Paraprofessional

JOB TITLE: Paraprofessional

LOCATION: District or assigned building

SUPERVISOR: Classroom Teacher, Principal, Director of Student Services

Work Hours: 6.67 or 7.33 hours per day

Position Overview:

Teachers On Demand, Inc. is seeking compassionate and dedicated Paraprofessionals to support students and educators in a school district in Chicago Heights, IL. The paraprofessional will assist the classroom teacher in creating a productive learning environment, supporting students with academic, social, and emotional needs. This position may involve assisting in the classroom as a general aide or providing one-on-one support for specific students. The role is ideal for individuals with a passion for helping students succeed and making a difference in their educational experience.

The paraprofessional must meet the following key responsibilities to excel in this role:

Instructional Support:

• Assist in organizing assignments and adapting instructional materials to meet the needs of students.
• Follow specific instructional strategies and plans to help students achieve learning goals and become more independent.
• Provide individual or small group instruction as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and visitors in a positive and professional manner.
• Support the implementation of instructional plans, behavior intervention plans, and other therapeutic strategies.
• Facilitate and support students in a variety of learning settings, including general education classes, community-based activities, and work experience sites.
• Participate in the collection of assessment data and documentation for student progress.
• Regularly confer with teachers and staff regarding student progress, needs, and expectations.
• Assist students during transitions between activities, classes, and locations.
• Provide support with students’ personal needs, including bathroom hygiene, and assist students on/off the bus as needed.
• Assist with playground duties to ensure students’ safety and well-being.

Classroom Management:

• Assist with daily classroom tasks, including student attendance, clerical work, record-keeping, filing, and inventory management.
• Facilitate student use of computers, augmentative communication systems, and various instructional tools and equipment.

Staff Roles and Professionalism:

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all student and program information.
• Adhere to program guidelines and support the teacher in implementing specialized functions (e.g., lifting, physical restraint, feeding, etc.) when required.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and staff training opportunities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of first aid, health-related procedures, and emergency protocols.
• Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions and work behaviors.
• Follow district procedures, policies, and guidelines established by the school and Teachers On Demand, Inc.

Communication Skills:

• Be an active and integral member of the educational team.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all matters related to the position.
• Communicate in a helpful, respectful, and efficient manner with students, colleagues, and supervisors.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to engage in frequent bending, lifting, stooping, sitting, walking, and standing throughout the day.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. as needed for student support or classroom management.

Work Environment:

• The work environment is generally stable with minimal exposure to unusual temperature extremes, noise, or hazards.
• Position may require extended hours and occasional participation in after-school meetings, events, or professional development activities.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Be at least 20 years of age and show proof of one (1) of the following requirements:

a. ISBE Paraprofessional License, or

b. An Associate’s degree or higher, or

c. 60 semester hours of coursework, or

d. High School diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS ParaPro test, or

e. High School diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT WorkKeys test:

Applied Math – 4

Workplace Documents - 4

Benefits

Compensation: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour