Special Education Paraprofessional

Company Description

KIPP is a national network of free, open‐enrollment, college‐preparatory public schools in under‐resourced communities throughout the United States. There are currently 281 locally‐run KIPP regions in more than 25 states and Washington, DC; nationally, KIPP serves approximately 120,000 students. More than 80 percent of KIPP students come from low‐income households, and more than 95 percent are African American or Hispanic/Latino. Through high expectations for students and staff, world‐class teachers and principals, more time in school, autonomy over budget and curriculum, and a focus on results, KIPP schools prepare traditionally underserved students for success in college and in life. KIPP schools have been widely recognized for their success in doing so, and today, nearly 85% of KIPP alumni nationally have matriculated to college.

All KIPP schools share a core set of operating principles, known as the Five Pillars, that KIPP believes help to lay the foundation for students to perform at the highest academic levels: High Expectations, Choice & Commitment, More Time, Power to Lead, and a Focus on Results.

KIPP Minnesota Overview

KIPP Minnesota Public Schools is one of 28 regional locations in a national network of high-performing college-preparatory schools across the nation. KIPP Minnesota was established in 2008, serving grades Kindergarten through 8th on our North Star campus in Minneapolis. KIPP MN vision is that every child grows up to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. Our mission is together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Special Education Paraprofessional's primary duties include assisting our Teachers with classroom lessons, activities, organization management, supervising students, and providing students with a positive and nurturing guide. The Paraprofessional will deal with students, parents, staff, and the community in a professional manner, and follow and uphold school rules and standards.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participating in lesson planning sessions, and communicating with parents and school officials.

• Co-teaching lessons under the Teacher's guidance, leading small groups or individual instruction and discussions, and reviewing classwork.

• Organizing the classroom and teaching materials, monitoring the classroom during lessons, and minimizing distractions and disruptions.

• Supervising students in and out of the classroom.

• Attend to students' physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs.

• Helping Teachers and students with extracurricular activities and school functions.

• Performing clerical duties, such as tracking student attendance, typing, filing, photocopying, and grading tests and homework.

• Ensuring the upkeep of educational materials, equipment, and supplies.

• Tracking students' progress and preparing reports for the parents.

• Assisting Teachers in counseling parents on the requirements and development of their children.

Qualifications

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

Required

• Must be highly qualified and be able to provide supporting documentation; (having 1 of the 4 items listed below:
  • Completed two years of study (equaling 60 or more credit hours) from an accredited institution of higher education (Transcripts)
  • An Associate's degree or higher (Transcript)
  • Obtained a passing score on the MN-approved assessment, ParaPro test or ParaEducator, which measures math and reading skills (Certificate)
  • Special Education Paraprofessional (Verifiable School reference)

• Willingness to work with and show respect for students with special needs.

• Able to work independently.

• Demonstrated communication skills, patience, and flexibility.

• Experience with special education students including EBD, LD, and MMH

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Ability to follow teacher’s plan and direction, and communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.

Highly Preferred

• Basic child development educational background or knowledge preferred.

• Experience working in historically educationally underserved communities and communities of color.

Additional Information

COMPENSATION

Salary: $33,660+

*To establish equitable salary practices; the compensation package is derived from the Regional KIPP Minnesota pay scale and benefits package, which includes medical, dental, life, long-term disability, and retirement benefits and an annual salary review and revision.

How to Apply

We are committed to hiring a diverse, multicultural leadership team and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. Please apply online here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

KIPP: MN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: KIPP: MN is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all candidates and employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on our business needs, job requirements, and required qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by ​​protected by federal, state or local laws. KIPP: MN will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.”

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.