ESL Paraprofessional (25-26)

Job Description

• Job Status :   Please note that this is a general posting for potential future opportunities. At this time, there may or may not be a vacancy. We are collecting applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply. Your application will be reviewed and considered for any opportunity that matches your skills and experience. Please be aware that you may not receive communication regarding next steps until an aligned opportunity becomes available. We appreciate your interest in the role and KIPP Texas.

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP Texas Public Schools plays a critical role in ensuring our students have the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career and beyond. Our educators are passionate advocates for their students and their families, working tirelessly to ensure that our students have access to opportunity. In our classrooms and across the KIPP TX Team and Family we embrace, honor and celebrate the uniqueness of each of our little and big KIPPsters. We are committed to attracting and developing individuals who are grounded in the experiences of our families, as we know we are at our best when center our students', families' and communities' realities. As a KIPP Texas Public Schools Special Education Instructional Aide, your core responsibilities include :

Work with students in instructional and classroom activities at the direction of the special education and / or general education teacher

Assist with direct academic, functional and / or specifically designed instructional or physical activities

Tutor individual students and help them prepare assignments or explain material they do not understand

Supervise and accompany special education students to the office, bus, classroom, cafeteria, etc.

Communicate regularly with classroom teacher and parents regarding student’s needs and progress

Some positions may require the employee to be able to stay with excessively disruptive or aggressive students during which time the employee may need to restrain, hold, lift, apply physical management techniques, and crisis intervention techniques for the student

Provide clerical support to teachers which may include, but is not limited to, creating photocopies, preparing materials, etc.

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), that LEAs continue to ensure that instructional aides performing instructional duties on a Title I, Part A School-wide served campus, or those that have at least part of their salary paid for by Title I, Part A on a Targeted Assistance campus, meet the Instructional Aides Highly Qualified requirements.

Highly Qualified Instructional Aide must have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and meet one of the following requirements :

Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (defined as completion of 48 semester hours or equivalent trimester hours) of college coursework or an applicable number of semester hours as defined by the institution of higher education attended, whichever is less;

Possess an associate’s (or higher) degree; or

Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment–

The instructional aide must also meet the state’s paraprofessional certification exam and requirements.  Instructional Aides whose duties consist solely of parent and family engagement activities or translation services are exempt from the qualification requirement.

Satisfactory outcome of a background check. Employees are responsible for a non-refundable fingerprinting fee (approximately $50.00).

Additional Qualifications :

Prior experience working in inclusion, life skills and / or behavioral support setting (preferred)

Experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent

Physical and emotional endurance to deal with challenging students; maintain emotional control under stress

Ability to work with students with physical, emotional, and / or intellectual disabilities

Ability to engage in restraints such as hug containment, elbow to hip containment, and two-person containment with middle school students on a regular basis

Ability to lift and position students with physical disabilities or assist students with personal hygiene routines such as toileting, hand washing, feeding, etc.

Knowledge of classroom management and child development techniques and principles

Knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, guidelines, and procedures

Bilingual (English / Spanish) a plus

Competencies :

Unwavering commitment to KIPP Texas mission, students, families, and community

Strong record of helping students achieve academic success, primarily with students living in educationally underserved communities

Strong desire to teach an academically intense curriculum and commit to an extended school day, week, and year

Desire to continuously learn and increase effectiveness as a teacher and professional; offer and receive constructive feedback

Willingness to be flexible and to go above and beyond to meet the needs of KIPP Texas students

Additional Information

Compensation and Benefits

As a full-time KIPP Texas employee you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Texas’ benefit plans. KIPP Texas offers a robust variety of benefits choices with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, life insurance, and disability plans.

KIPP provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.