A Teacher Assistant assists classroom teachers by providing extra individual attention and instruction to students. Helps teachers with recordkeeping, preparation for lessons and activities and supervising students. May work with special education students, or work in a school library or computer lab; may be called teacher aide or paraprofessional.
Educator Licensure - Paraprofessional Requirements for Paraprofessional License (renewed every five (5) years): At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12. Beginning January 1, 2023 , you may qualify for the ELS-Paraprofessional license by meeting the requirements outlined below at age 18 but only may serve in prekindergarten through grade 8.
One of the following required:
Associate's degree or higher 60 semester hours of coursework High School Diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS Parapro High School Diploma or GED and the following scores on the
ACT Workkeys:
Applied Mathematics/Applied Math (with a score of 4) Reading for information/Workplace Documents (with a score of 4)
Job Description Position :
Paraprofessional Reports to: Classroom Teacher and/or
Special Education Teacher Building Principal Special Education Supervisor Qualifications:
High school diploma or its equivalent Statement of Approval issued by the ISBE Prior experience, paid or volunteer, with school-age children Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
Terms of Employment:
9 Month Paraprofessional Work Calendar;
Hourly Employment Basic Functions :
Paraprofessionals work with direction from both the general and special educators and/or administrators to engage in many different daily responsibilities. Paraprofessionals will support the instruction to children individually, in small groups, and in classroom settings.
Performance Responsibility :
1. Assists certified staff members with the purpose of implementing IEP goals and objectives for individual students or groups of students. 2. Assists certified staff members in implementing lesson plans and developing students' independent function and behavioral skills. 3. Assists with implementation of academic and/or behavior interventions, as requested. 4. Monitors individual students, classroom and/or playground activities, field trips, and job site supervision for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive environment. This supervision includes emergency drills, assemblies, and lunchroom activities. 5. Facilitate the integration of individual(s) with special needs in various school settings such as Art, Music, Physical Education, and other general education settings. 6. Assist with tasks as assigned by certified staff including, but not limited to recording behavior skills, implementing student accommodations, escorting students, and monitoring student progress. 7. Serves as a source of information and helps substitute teachers assigned in the absence of the regular teacher. 8. Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information concerning students, families, and staff that is required of certified staff. 9. Participates in staff development programs, as assigned, or on a voluntary basis. 10. May assist students in or performs: toileting, hygiene, and dressing routines. 11. Performs not related duties as requested from time to time as necessary. 12. Performs other related duties as assigned by general education teacher, special education teacher, special education supervisor and/or building administration.
Evaluation :
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel. Attachment(s): Para SpEd Resource @ WA July.pdf
