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.
The Position
Special Education Paraprofessionals work closely with a team of teachers to meet the needs of all students. Paraprofessionals are responsible for managing and guiding a class of students while they work collaboratively in age-appropriate centers/developmental play and for pulling small groups of students for additional academic support , accommodations and/or modifications, and interventions.The Paraprofessional will provide individual instruction for high-needs students with both special and typical learning needs in the general education environment including, but not limited to: the classroom, recess, and the lunch area. The Paraprofessional will work under the supervision of a certificated Education Specialist who will provide weekly oversight, training, and direction.
Essential Functions:
- Motivate students to participate in learning activities; create a positive student culture around centers, developmental play and small group tutoring; maintain high behavioral expectations for all students
- Ensure that students have access to a joyful but productive learning environment by enforcing all campus safety rules and behavior expectations
- Actively guide students in collaborative centers through observation and group discussion
- Tutor small groups of students on literacy and/or math skills; use Rocketship-adopted curricula to deliver lessons which align to students' Individualized Learning Plans
- Conduct monthly progress monitoring assessments of progress for students participating in intervention; communicate progress monitoring results to families and classroom teachers; work with grade level teams to interpret progress monitoring data and use it to make intervention decisions for students
- Communicate and collaborate with the teachers at their grade level, and school administrators; participate actively in staff development opportunities as a member of the Rocketship team
- Maintain all Learning Lab materials including centers, computer equipment and accessories
- Partner with families on the academic and social progress and needs of a student
- Provide accommodations and/or modifications to learners with disabilities to provide access to grade level content and demonstrate her or his true understanding on assessments as determined by the IEP team in collaboration with general educators
- Ensure that all students realize rigorous academic goals outlined in their IEP along with our core content. Our goal is that each Rocketeer grows at least 1.5 years
- Implement behavior management strategies during small group and individual instruction in order to support student engagement
- Collect and provide feedback for the development of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as needed
- Assist in the implementation of BIPs, which may involve positive reinforcement strategies, behavior modification, or other skills to maintain appropriate behaviors
- Record data for individualized instructional programs and positive behavior support plans
- Support a spectrum of needs for life skills, including but not limited to: toileting and diapering, assist with hygiene, feeding and other daily life skills
- Provide appropriate crisis intervention as necessary using the least restrictive method by anticipating and responding quickly and appropriately to escalating behaviors
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent
- Must have an Educational Aide certification
- Comfort in a start-up environment with flexibility Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
- Commitment to Rocketship's mission, vision, and goals
- Passion for working with children; ability to motivate and support children in reaching high levels of academic success
- Previous experience managing and/or teaching groups of elementary-age students is strongly preferred; Experience working with students with disabilities preferred
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to engage and work closely with a wide range of staff members
- Basic computer skills including troubleshooting and an ability to communicate about technical difficulties
- Ability to efficiently interpret, manage, and utilize multiple sets of data in order to best support students' progress
- Ability to learn laws, rules, practices and procedures related to public education and specific to Rocketship Education
- Fluency in English
- Flexibility and a willingness to learn
- Interest in becoming a credentialed teacher is a plus, but not required.
- Bachelor's Degree is a plus, but not required
Compensation
- $18-$22/hour
- Commensurate with qualifications and 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.
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 and here for our Title IX Policy. For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Equity/Discrimination Title IX Compliance Officer, Kenzie Kilb. Email: [email protected]. Address: 350 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 109, Redwood City, CA 94065. Phone: 877-806-0920 ext. 115.
