Special Education Paraprofessional (Immediate Start - SY 21-22)

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (SY 21-22)

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 54 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Job Description

The Paraprofessional plays a central role in creating an academic and cultural environment which supports our ultimate goal: ensuring that every Camden student will earn a college degree. In this role, the paraprofessional will work alongside special education and general education teachers to provide the specific supports for either a classroom or individual student with special needs. The ideal candidate demonstrates an urgency around collaboration, achievement and empathy for our special needs population.  Paraprofessionals are formally employed through ESS but report to Camden Prep and are managed by our school based teams directly.  Paraprofessionals play a key role in implementing students’ IEPs and positively contributing to our schools’ culture.  

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to)

  • Work with students one-on-one or in small groups under the supervision of a teacher
  • Ensure that all students work to their fullest potential
  • Observe and document student progress in support of their individual education plan
  • Assist with preparation, completion and submission of student-related paperwork
  • Implement the Camden Prep curriculum, systems and philosophy on a daily basis
  • Attend school daily, with the exceptions of school-related holidays and vacations (as noted in the annual school calendar)
  • Model Camden Prep’s core values (caring, courage, justice, respect and responsibility) 
  • Participate in coaching and professional development to improve instructional practice
  • Implement student’s individualized behavior plans and/or specific daily schedules

Qualifications

  • Must have completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education or have an Associate’s degree (or higher). 48 college credits
  • History of personal achievement
  • Upbeat, positive, outgoing, and personable
  • Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and “roll-up-my-sleeves” attitude
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team
  • Must enjoy contact with children and parents
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Strong organization skills and attention to detail
  • Prior experience working in schools and/or urban communities preferred
  • Strong desire to become a teacher
  • Belief in the Camden Prep mission and educational model
  • Spanish or Portuguese language skills a plus but not required

Additional Information

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.