Paraprofessional

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description
The Paraprofessional will be responsible for providing individual and small group instruction for students with both special and typical learning needs in the general education environment including, but not limited to: the classroom, recess, and lunch area. The Paraprofessional will work under the supervision of a certificated Education Specialist who will provide weekly oversight, training and direction.

Paraprofessionals report to a member of the school leader team.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

Essential Functions:
• Ensure student academic growth as seen by students reading & math abilities/levels
• Meet academic goals for both reading and math aligned to campus data goals set
• Actively engage in collaborative planning with teachers, specialists, and school staff to align instructional practices and enhance student achievement.
• Initiate appropriate behavior management and social emotional supports
• Under the direction of the special education case manager, implement student IEPS (individual Education Plans)
• Provide small group and whole group (co teaching) instruction for students using specified materials/curriculums
• Progress monitor student goals on a consistent basis; communicate student progress with case managers and general education teachers
• Record data for individualized instructional programs and positive behavior support plans.
• Implement behavior intervention plans that have been developed by students’ case managers across all settings increase student access and engagement
• Collect and maintain student behavior data which may include ABC (antecedent, behavior, consequence) format
• Implement proactive strategies to prevent potential behavioral issues and de-escalate conflicts in the classroom or school setting.
• Use clear, calm, and empathetic communication to defuse tense situations and guide students toward positive behaviors.
• Perform routine first aid that may include aiding children experiencing seizures or respiratory disorders, and perform duties related to the personal needs of students, such as feeding, toileting, lifting, etc.
• Appropriately operate all classroom equipment including but not limited to mobility equipment and classroom supports.
• May participate in parent conferences and pupil instruction and training planning processes.
• Participate in meetings and professional learning as assigned.
• Respond swiftly and effectively to student crises, ensuring the safety and emotional well-being of all students involved.
• Assist the teacher with the administration and proctoring of standardized and classroom assessments, ensuring compliance with testing protocols and student accommodations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned and/or as required.

Required Qualifications:
• Two years of experience working with children/adults with special needs (moderate/severe preferred)
• One year of experience in a classroom and/or education setting
• A team player who is detail-oriented, resourceful and able to manage his/her responsibility with confidence and discretion
• Comfort in a start-up environment with flexibility
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree, or 48+ college credits or passing score on Rocketship’s Paraprofessional Assessment required
• Obtain and maintain District approved Crisis Intervention System certification (e.g. PCM, Pro-ACT, CPI) or applied behavior analysis (ABA) experience

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

Compensation:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.

Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools’ employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Click here for our Sexual Harassment Policy. For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Human Resources.