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

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

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 55 schools serving more than 21,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond. 

Troy Prep currently manages three schools serving students in grades K through 12. We believe in strong authentic relationships between teachers and students, supported by effective school systems and an engaging instructional model that enables students to flourish academically and personally. Troy Prep schools are consistently some of the city’s top-performing, with our graduates going on to attend top tier colleges and universities.

Job Description

The Paraprofessional plays a central role in creating an academic and cultural environment which supports our ultimate goal: ensuring that every Troy 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 Troy 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 Troy 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 Troy 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 Troy Prep mission and educational model
  • Spanish or Portuguese language skills a plus but not required

Additional Information

Uncommon Schools offers wages commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

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 an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful 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. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions.