Paraprofessional

JOB TITLE: Paraprofessional
LOCATION: Alice Terry Elementary
WORK YEAR: 181-Day
SCHEDULE: As assigned based on the approved position and school schedule; typically 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday
WORK STATUS: Classified, Hourly, Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Principal
POSITION SUMMARY
The Alice Terry Elementary Paraprofessional supports high-quality instruction, student learning, supervision, and a safe, welcoming, and predictable school environment. Working under the direction of the Principal, licensed teacher, and/or other designated licensed staff, the paraprofessional provides instructional and operational support to students in classroom and non-classroom settings.
The position supports implementation of teacher-developed lessons and interventions; reinforces academic skills and classroom routines; assists with student supervision and behavior supports; prepares instructional materials; and contributes to schoolwide systems during arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, transitions, and other assigned settings. The paraprofessional is expected to maintain high expectations for students, use positive and professional interactions, protect student confidentiality, and work collaboratively with staff to support student success.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
INSTRUCTIONAL AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT
• Assist licensed teachers with implementation of daily lessons, learning activities, interventions, and instructional routines.
• Provide individual and small-group instructional support under the direction and supervision of licensed staff.
• Reinforce teacher-taught skills in reading, writing, mathematics, language development, and other content areas as assigned.
• Support students in accessing grade-level instruction through teacher-directed scaffolds, accommodations, visual supports, manipulatives, and other approved strategies.
• Prompt students to engage in learning, complete assigned tasks, and demonstrate understanding while maintaining appropriate levels of student independence.
• Assist with collecting student work, exit tickets, progress-monitoring information, and other classroom data as directed; provide objective information to licensed staff.
• Prepare, organize, copy, laminate, and maintain instructional materials, intervention resources, classroom supplies, and student learning tools.
• Support multilingual learners and other students with language development through teacher-directed instructional strategies and supports.
• Participate in lesson preparation, planning conversations, PLCs, professional learning, and other meetings when requested and appropriate to the role.
STUDENT SUPPORT, BEHAVIOR, AND SCHOOL CULTURE
• Build positive, respectful relationships with students and consistently reinforce Alice Terry schoolwide expectations and routines.
• Use positive narration, specific praise, proactive prompting, redirection, and other school-approved behavior supports.
• Actively supervise students using established school practices, including maintaining visibility, scanning assigned areas, anticipating concerns, and responding promptly.
• Support students with regulation, transitions, problem-solving, and re-entry to learning using strategies established by the teacher, school team, IEP, behavior plan, or other approved student plan.
• Respond calmly and professionally to student behavior and seek assistance according to established school procedures when additional support is needed.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, health/safety procedures, or other student-specific supports as directed and trained.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect student dignity and confidentiality at all times.
SUPERVISION AND SCHOOL OPERATIONS
• Provide active supervision during arrival, dismissal, hallways, transitions, lunch, recess, assemblies, field trips, and other assigned school activities.
• Report to assigned duty locations on time and remain actively engaged in supervision for the full assignment.
• Use school communication systems, including assigned walkies, in accordance with Alice Terry and District communication and safety protocols.
• Assist with safe and efficient student movement throughout the building and reinforce established hallway, restroom, cafeteria, playground, and transition routines.
• Support classroom and school coverage needs as assigned by the Principal or designee and consistent with the employee's role, training, and qualifications.
• Follow established procedures for drills, emergencies, student injuries, safety concerns, and requests for administrative assistance.
• Immediately report student safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, injuries, hazards, or other concerns to the appropriate staff member in accordance with District procedures and applicable reporting obligations.
• Assist with classroom setup, material organization, inventory, school events, family events, and other operational needs as assigned.
COLLABORATION, COMMUNICATION, AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work collaboratively with teachers, special service providers, administrators, office staff, and other paraprofessionals to support students and school priorities.
• Follow direction from licensed staff and school administration and communicate questions or concerns promptly and professionally.
• Maintain confidentiality of student educational, behavioral, disability, health, family, and other protected information.
• Communicate professionally with students, staff, families, substitutes, visitors, and community members; refer questions outside the scope of the role to the appropriate licensed staff member or administrator.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, or documentation assigned to the role, including service or implementation documentation when required and appropriately trained.
• Participate in required District and school professional learning, including training related to instruction, behavior, safety, confidentiality, and student-specific needs.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance and follow established procedures for absences and leave.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested that are consistent with the role.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES
None. The paraprofessional works under the direction of licensed staff and school administration and does not independently design instruction, make placement decisions, or supervise District employees.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Required
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Meet applicable federal and state paraprofessional qualification requirements, which may include at least 48 semester credit hours at an institution of higher education, an Associate's degree or higher, or successful completion of an approved academic assessment demonstrating the knowledge and ability to assist with reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and implement teacher- and school-directed procedures consistently.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with students, families, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to learn and use school technology, communication devices, student-support systems, and general office equipment as required for the assignment.
• Ability to complete required training and implement student-specific health, safety, behavior, instructional, or personal-care procedures when assigned.
Preferred
• One to three years of experience working with elementary-aged students in a school, childcare, youth-serving, or related setting.
• Experience supporting multilingual learners.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities and implementing accommodations or individualized supports.
• Bilingual Spanish/English skills.
• Experience with computers, word processing, instructional technology, and general office equipment.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS
• Maintains a positive, professional, student-centered attitude and presumes positive intentions.
• Demonstrates high expectations for all students and contributes to a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and predictable learning environment.
• Demonstrates initiative while remaining within the scope and direction of the assigned role.
• Is flexible and adaptable to changing student and school needs.
• Works collaboratively with supervisors, licensed staff, and co-workers.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, reliability, and professionalism.
• Maintains confidentiality and protects student and family privacy.
• Observes all District policies, procedures, safety expectations, and schoolwide systems.
• Supports the Sheridan School District Strategic Plan and Alice Terry Elementary school priorities, mission, and vision.
• Demonstrates cultural responsiveness and respect for diverse students, families, staff, and community members.
• Participates in training opportunities including; confidentiality, mandated reporting, emergency procedures, behavior/de-escalation, and assignment-specific training.
ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
The position is primarily performed in an elementary school environment and involves frequent interaction with students and staff in classrooms and common areas. The environment is generally clean and healthy, with moderate noise, frequent transitions, interruptions, and periods of active student supervision. The position may require work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions during arrival, dismissal, recess, field trips, or other assigned activities.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands:
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking throughout classrooms, hallways, common areas, and outdoor school spaces.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, squatting, and kneeling associated with supporting elementary-aged students and classroom activities.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for instructional materials, computers, communication devices, and other school equipment.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of materials and equipment; some assignments may require physical assistance to students consistent with training and the specific assignment.
• Ability to move throughout the school building and assigned outdoor areas to supervise and support students.
• Ability to respond promptly to student safety, behavioral, health, and emergency situations consistent with training and job responsibilities.
Specific physical demands may vary by assignment. Any required student lifting, transfers, personal care, or specialized physical support must be consistent with the employee's assignment, training, and applicable student plans and District procedures.
CLEARANCE
Must clear online background check and FBI fingerprint check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, as required by District procedures.
SALARY
$18.37 - $23.69
This position is classified and is an at-will position with Sheridan School District No. 2. Initial placement will be on the current approved Classified Salary Schedule based upon applicable District procedures and relevant experience. The annual salary will be determined by the number of hours scheduled to work each day and the number of days scheduled to work each year. The computed annual salary will be spread out in equal payments over 12 months. Sheridan School District employees are paid once a month on the first working day of the month that is not a weekend day or holiday.
BENEFITS
Employees who are scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible to obtain District health benefits, which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and supplemental benefits. Positions that qualify for benefits also qualify for leave as determined by the position and number of days assigned. Sheridan School District No. 2 is a public employer and participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Eligible employees and the District contribute at the applicable rates established by law.
FLSA STATUS
Classified, Hourly, Non-Exempt.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All interested and qualified applicants must complete an online application through the Sheridan School District application system. Incomplete applications and resumes received in lieu of applications will not be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview. This position will close once the vacancy has been filled.
GENERAL DISCLAIMER
This description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making compensation decisions. This job description is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the District and is not intended to create any express or implied contract of employment or expectancy of continued employment for any definite term.
Sheridan School District No. 2 is an equal opportunity educational institution and employer and follows applicable District nondiscrimination policies and law.