Job Title: Paraprofessional

Reports to: Teacher and Site Principal

 

Position Summary
The Paraprofessional works under the supervision of a teacher or principal to provide safe and appropriate care and support, with a focus on each student's academic success and individual goals. This position assists in maintaining a positive and structured learning environment while helping students meet their educational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• An Associate's degree or higher, OR completion of two years of study (60+ credit hours) from an accredited institution of higher education, OR successful completion of an Arizona Department of Education paraprofessional-approved assessment.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to grasp and convey subject knowledge (e.g., reading, math, science) as needed.
• Ability to read and follow directions accurately.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Ability to assist students during emergency evacuations.
• Willingness to attend professional development and implement crisis prevention techniques, including safe student restraint when necessary.

Core Job Functions

To successfully perform this role, the individual must be able to execute the following essential duties:

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials to support and reinforce classroom objectives under the direction of the supervising teacher.
• Administer tests, homework, and make-up work to support teachers and ensure student progress.
• Attend meetings and in-service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures) to acquire knowledge relevant to the position.
• Escort students to and from various locations (e.g., bathroom, office, classroom), ensuring safe and efficient transitions.
• Intervene in potential conflicts and use appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches to defuse confrontations and minimize disruptions.
• Maintain instructional materials and files (both manual and electronic) to ensure resources are available, properly filed, and meet compliance requirements.
• Model appropriate social behavior, manners, and daily life skills in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitor students during assigned periods in various environments (e.g., restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, cafeterias) to maintain safety and a positive atmosphere.
• Perform general clerical duties (e.g., copying, filing, data entry) to support instructional programs.
• Provide individual and group instruction to students under the guidance of the teacher to reinforce learning objectives and ensure academic success.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to move throughout the classroom and campus, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to manipulate objects, reach with arms, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally required to physically restrain a student to prevent harm to themselves or others.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must meet the physical demands required to successfully perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a school environment with regular interaction with students and staff.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work for professional development or special events.

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the primary duties and qualifications required for the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.