SUNNYVALE SCHOOL DISTRICT

                                                                                                                                May 2018

CLASS TITLE: PARA EDUCATOR - SPECIAL EDUCATION

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; perform a variety of support activities related to behavior intervention and classroom instruction of special education students; perform a variety of clerical support duties related to classroom activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects.

Assist assigned teacher with the formulation and implementation of lesson plans; assist in administering and scoring tests and papers and charting student progress; modify materials and explain instructions and words.

Accompanies students going from one location to another.

Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities and language, communication and behavioral challenges; confer with general and special education teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of special education students and to support the inclusion concept.

Observe and control behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.

Assist and perform personal hygiene for students, including bathing, tooth brushing, toileting and diapering as needed; serve snacks and meals to students with severe eating problems and monitor self-feeding students; take appropriate action when students have difficulty while eating.

Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing, typing and duplicating instructional materials; maintain student records and files; record student attendance.

Sets up and operates audiovisual equipment, computers, and other equipment that serves to assist and enhance instructional programs.

Assists in maintaining order among students in the classroom, on school grounds and in the community. Supervises students in the classroom, on school grounds and in the gathering areas, during community-based instruction, on field trips, and at special events.

Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner as it relates to needs of the students.

Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer, copier, and laminator.

Greet students at the bus; lift and carry students and push students in wheelchairs as necessary.

Attend and participate in parent conferences and a variety of meetings as assigned.

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Child guidance principles and practices related to children with special education needs.

Problems and concerns of students with special needs.

Basic subjects taught in District schools including mathematics, reading, writing, grammar and spelling.

Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.

Basic instructional methods and techniques.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Oral and written communication skills.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Basic record-keeping techniques.

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.

Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.

ABILITY TO:

Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.

Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.

Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities.

Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Understand and relate to children with special needs.

Operate standard office and classroom equipment.

Observe health and safety regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Possess a high school diploma and an AA degree from an accredited college or university, or 48 semester units from an institute of higher education, or have demonstrated knowledge of Language Arts, Mathematics and the Ability to Assist in Instruction (Test).

Experience working with students requiring a specialized learning environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom and playground environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.

Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.

Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

HAZARDS:

Abusive and potentially harmful outbursts from students.

Potential for contact with blood and other body fluids.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:                 

Salary and terms of employment are described in the Agreement between the Sunnyvale School District and California School Employees Association.

EVALUATION:                    

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance to Agreement between the Sunnyvale School District and California School Employees Association.