Special Education Paraprofessional - Spero Academy

Effective for the 2024-2025 School Year

Position Summary:

The Mission of Spero Academy is to provide an individualized and adaptive education to help students grow academically, emotionally, and socially. 

We are a nonprofit charter school that is devoted to educational programs for students with disabilities that foster a sense of respect, responsibility and community. We are looking for a Paraprofessional who is eager to work with elementary students who are on the autistic spectrum or who may have other social, emotional, and physical disabilities. We are looking for someone who will support individualized learning programs to meet the unique needs of each student, while maintaining a high standard of academics and cultivating a sense of respect, responsibility and community. 

Minimum Qualifications Required: 

• One of the following: 
  • At least two years of college credits (usually 60 credits if earned in Minnesota) through an accredited institution of higher education; or
  • An associate’s degree or higher; or
  • A passing score on an approved, formal assessment (see below) demonstrating the knowledge and ability to assist with instruction in reading/language arts, writing, mathematics or readiness for each; or
  • A completed Paraprofessional Competency Grid portfolio (Paraprofessional who has worked over 3 years or more)
  • OR Be willing to complete within 3 months of hire.

What You Will Need:

• Ability to achieve and maintain the status of “not disqualified” upon completion of criminal background checks 
• Must earn *PCA Certification within your first two weeks of employment
• Must Earn *CPI Certification within your your first six months of employment

*Spero Academy will provide training materials and provide paid time for completion of these certifications in a timely manner. If you are already certified you will need to submit valid proof.

What You Will Do:

• Work with students in small groups or in prescribed one-to-one assignments to implement, reinforce, or follow up learning activities in basic academic, language, and/or specialized subject areas related to the level of achievement; under direction of teacher; provide individualized instruction by matching instruction to needs of each learner.
• Assist the teacher in establishing and maintaining a clean, safe, and cooperative classroom and learning environment.
• Assist in organizing the learning environment; prepare and set up instructional materials and/or equipment for use in classroom activities; maintain instructional material and equipment.
• Assist in the supervision of students during lunch, recess, van loading/unloading etc. and accompany students to and from school van or other transportation, and in moving to and from activities on school site.
• Assist in managing volatile students physically as needed according to approved C.P.I. (Crisis Prevention Intervention Training) techniques.
• Assist in the implementation of assigned sections of the students Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and behavior intervention plans (BIP) which may involve use of approved behavior modification, physical management techniques or other skills or knowledge to establish and maintain appropriate behaviors.
• Perform routine clerical tasks as assigned; operate copy & laminating machines; assembles materials for classroom projects; prepares material and masters; files classroom, student, instructional and program materials; and may perform incidental organizational tasks.
• Assist students in becoming self-reliant; foster student independence in classroom and learning environments.
• Assist lifting of students in and out of wheelchairs, braces, and other orthopedic equipment for bussing, school, and/or other activities.
• Perform kneeling, stooping, standing, and lifting activities during required daily activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and classroom information in accordance with legal requirements and policies.
• Assist students with personal hygiene functions including toileting, diapering, eating, dressing and other self-help skills.
• Clearly demonstrate and model personal characteristics that Spero Academy expects of its students such as; Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, Empathy, Manners, and Trust.
• Provide a warm, caring, nurturing, and stable learning environment.
• Be a positive influence in daily activities, act with integrity, showing respect to coworkers and students.
• Participate actively in scheduled team meetings.
• Attend all paid professional development days for paraprofessionals and all staff.
• Communicate effectively and clearly with students and staff.
• Define clear expectations for students as established by your classroom teacher, the Special Education staff, and/or members of the behavior team.
• Maintain personal accountability for actions.
• Adhere to the school dress code.
• Work with all staff members of Spero Academy including teachers, therapists, other professionals, board, and administration as a team player in working with students.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities That Will Help You Succeed:

• Obtain skills to be a Special Education Paraprofessional through training and establishing personal and professional goals.
• Proven ability to work effectively with others
• Ability to be flexible and handle quick changes 
• Demonstrate skills in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Willingness to learn how to help your classroom students to use communication devices and other assistive technologies
• Learn how to submit “PCA hours” and submit them in the correct and timely manner.
• Ability to effectively use Mac ios computers
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion or move quickly to contain a student
• Activities that occur frequently: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot coordination

Spero Academy is committed to supporting those who have served in the armed forces. We recognize the valuable skills, experience, and dedication that veterans bring to the workforce. As such, veterans will be given priority consideration for employment opportunities within our company. We are proud to honor their service and offer meaningful career opportunities.

Spero Academy embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports persons of all identities, abilities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Spero Academy will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require accommodation please contact our Human Resources at hr@spero.academy.

Learn more about our philosophy, benefits, and team at https://www.spero.academy/. You can also find our district application at https://www.spero.academy/about-us/employment.

Please Send resume and district application to: Human Resources Spero Academy

2701 California Street NE, Minneapolis, MN  55418

or

hr@spero.academy

EOE/AA

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