Paraeducator / Teacher's Assistant - Environmental Charter Schools
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
About the Job
About ECS:
The mission of the Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) is to reimagine public education in low-income communities of color to prepare conscious, critical thinkers who are equipped to graduate from college and create a more equitable and sustainable world. Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) is a non-profit charter management organization with four free public schools in South Los Angeles.
Since its inception in 2001, ECS has provided a unique learning experience that utilizes project-based, interdisciplinary curricula to inspire our students to find authentic meaning in their studies. ECS proudly serves over 1,500 students at two middle schools (Gardena and Inglewood) and at two high schools (Lawndale and Gardena) and has been recognized for its ability to close achievement gaps for low-income Black/African American and Latino students. ECHS Lawndale ranks in the top 2% of public high schools in U.S. News & World Report, 100% of students graduate high school with the coursework necessary for admission to a four-year college or university, and 97% of students are admitted into a four-year college. Most of our students will be the first in their families to graduate from college.
The Opportunity:
Environmental Charter Schools is seeking a Paraeducator who is passionate about preparing low-income students of color for college success. ECS Paraeducators serve as members of the Special Education, English Language Development, and Student Culture teams. They work collaboratively with site-based coordinators and deans to ensure all ECS students can access and participate in our education program. We are seeking a Paraeducator who is enthusiastic about working in a collaborative and inclusive educational environment to improve student learning. This is an instructional role at an organization attentive to the needs of the whole child. ECS Paraeducators serve students in all of our targeted populations (i.e., special education, foster youth, English language learners, designated low-income, African American, etc).
Essential Functions:
- Assists certificated personnel in preparation for, carrying out of, and following up on instruction to individual or small groups of students as assigned; may also assist with instructional materials, educational technology, and the maintenance of student records.
- Assists with the facilitation of classes or groups to ensure a suitable learning environment, in classrooms, during educational events, and on school grounds.
- May be assigned limited responsibilities to teach specific subject matter, in which the paraeducator has the skills or training, to a group of students, under the supervision of certificated personnel.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain high expectations for all students and a deep belief that all students can learn.
- Assists teachers in implementing lessons or portions of lessons, checks the accuracy of work, and presents assignments as directed by certificated staff.
- Adjusts or rephrases portions of text and classroom instructions to meet the needs of students.
- Supports teachers in documenting routine records (i.e., attendance, grades, test scores, etc).
- Assists teachers with the presentation of materials and methods to reinforce lessons to students.
- Assist teachers with the implementation of student’s Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)’s and English learner needs; (e.g., accommodations, monitoring progress, behavior intervention implementation, tutoring, etc).
- Assists teachers in maintaining an environment conducive for learning.
- Under the direction of certificated staff, participates in data collection.
- Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials and/or skills introduced and outlined by certificated staff.
- Supervises and proctors assessments/testing as assigned by certificated staff.
- Provide supervision for students inside and outside the classroom (e.g. lunch, recess, field trips).
- When requested, serves as a resource person to various teams (e.g. SST, IEP, Title 1, ELD, 504).
- Attend necessary training sessions associated with student needs (e.g. ELD, IEP, medical, behavioral).
- Translates verbal and written communications, as appropriate.
- Work in a variety of settings (i.e., general education, special education, one-to-one, etc)
- Assists students with aspects of feeding, mobility, and personal hygiene, as needed.
- Motivate students through effective communication and actionable feedback.
- Supervises a group of students in the temporary absence of the teacher.
- Assists in performing general clerical functions (e.g. scheduling, copying, data entry, filing, etc.)
- Communicate with parents/guardians as needed and at the direction of certificated staff and administration.
- Model a personal code of ethics aligned with ECS's Mission and Vision.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent, Associate degree preferred
- Bilingual preferred
- Demonstrates an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of various age groups, temperaments, and abilities (particularly those exhibiting specialized needs)
- Exhibit ability to handle confidential information and materials
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administrators
- Commitment to inclusive school environments, collaboration, and social justice
- Commitment to the success of all students and the ECS mission, vision, and values
The Perks:
- Competitive compensation package inclusive of a generous benefits package
- HMO level healthcare premiums are 100% covered by the employer, and contributions toward dependents
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Voluntary Benefits (Supplemental Life, Accident, Short-Term Disability, etc.)
- The generous time off program includes 22 holidays, sick leave, and vacation
- Support with application to loan forgiveness programs and access to 403b Retirement Plans
- Small Learning Communities with smaller class sizes and lower student-to-counselor ratios
- Credentialing and Induction support
- Social and Environmental Justice Focus
- Personal growth and enrichment opportunities
This job primarily operates on a school site and in classrooms and utilizes typical office equipment (computers, phones, photocopiers, etc.). Physical demands include positioning to lift (should be able to lift up to 30 pounds to waist high), carry, push, and/or pull, kneel, stoop, crouch, and bend. Generally, the job is 60% Stationary and 40% moving/traversing. Travel is required for visits to other local school sites or the Home Office (as needed).
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. ECS does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, actual or perceived race, actual or perceived gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. ECS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a disability. If you have any questions, please contact: Human Resource administrator at (310) 214-3408.
Source : Environmental Charter Schools
