Substitute Paraprofessional

Passaic Public Schools - Passaic, NJ

- Entry Level

Passaic, NJ

Educational Services

About the position

The Substitute Paraprofessional position at Passaic Board of Education involves assisting classroom teachers in implementing daily programs and supporting students in their learning. The role requires a commitment to providing a supportive and structured learning environment, with high expectations for student success. Responsibilities include clerical work, recordkeeping, supervision of students, and assisting with behavior management plans. The paraprofessional will work with students individually and in small groups, maintain classroom order, and assist with various tasks related to student needs, including those with special requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist the classroom teacher with implementing the daily program.
• Assist the classroom teacher with clerical work, recordkeeping, preparation of instructional materials, and other non-instructional tasks as assigned.
• Assist the classroom teacher with supervision of students and implementation of class wide and individual behavior management plans.
• Preview lesson/instructional plan components and prepares accordingly.
• Work with students individually and in small groups to assist with the learning of content and skills introduced by the teacher.
• Implement the district's philosophy of education and the State, district and school's instructional goals and objectives.
• Be sensitive to and assist students with special needs and adjust the instructional tasks as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderly arrangement of materials and equipment within the classroom.
• Assist children with preparing for and moving to other classrooms, school activities, or to the outside.
• Provide instructional assistance and support in technology labs, media centers, libraries, or other identified areas of the school.
• Accompany and assist the teacher in supervision on approved instructional field trips.
• Help young children or children with special needs with grooming, health habits, and toileting activities.
• Lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
• Assist the teacher in the supervision of children who have a physical disability.
• Assist the teacher in handling interruptions and emergencies.
• Participate in appropriate in-service and workshop programs.
• Serve as a role model for students and staff in demonstrating positive attitudes, appropriate attire and grooming, and effective work ethic.
• Communicate to the teacher any unusual situations or needs of students.
• Immediately advise appropriate school personnel of any evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical conditions, potential suicide, or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, or controlled substances.
• Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, school regulations and procedures, and contractual obligations.
• Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students through the creation and support of a positive learning environment.
• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
• Provide a nurturing, supportive and positive classroom climate that encourages student responsibility, using positive motivation, challenging instructional strategies, and effective classroom management techniques.
• Develop effective procedures for the operation and management of the classroom and for following routine school procedures.
• Establish and maintain appropriate expectations for student behavior in the classroom, school building and school grounds and exercises due care for the health, safety, and well-being of the students.
• Display respect towards the rights and feelings of students, thereby encouraging students to develop attitudes of respect for the rights, feelings, opinions, and property of others.
• Assist with supervision of students in non-classroom areas and in areas as assigned.
• Assume responsibility for all students within the school, supervising in a fair and constructive manner.
• Ensure the safety and health of all students, notifying the administration of any unsafe conditions, following established protocols.
• Communicate effectively and use excellent written and oral skills when communicating with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
• Participate in staff meetings, administrator meetings, and committee meetings.
• Maintain cordial and workable professional and social relationships with other members of the instructional and non-instructional staff, and with students, parents, and community members.
• Operate electronic, digital, and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
• Observe strictly and exceed, to avoid the appearance of conflict, all requirements of board policy on vendor relations including solicitation and acceptance of gifts and favors.
• Perform all other duties assigned by the teacher or Principal (or designee) that is not otherwise prohibited, as required by law, code, or Board policy.

Requirements

• Applicant must be at least 20 years of age or older.
• A minimum of thirty (30) college credits from an accredited college or demonstrated experience in working with children.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to providing every student a supportive and structured learning environment.
• Excellent communications, collaboration, and organization skills.
• Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

Benefits

• Compensation based on per diem rate as approved by the Board of Education.
• Conditions established by laws and codes of New Jersey; and policies, rules, and regulations established by the Passaic Board of Education.