SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFFESIONAL

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFFESIONAL JOB DESCRIPTION

ABOUT US

Our mission is to prepare each student for college with an enhanced knowledge of the Ojibwe language, culture, leadership, and environmental stewardship.

The ultimate goal of the educational program at Endazhi-Nitaawiging is to create a school where our students can see themselves in all that they are learning. Endazhi-Nitaawiging will foster a learning environment for young people grounded in Anishinaabe culture that focuses not just on instruction in academics but also on social-emotional well-being. We are firm believers in the Indigenous genius that exists among our people.

The educational philosophy and school culture at Endazhi-Nitaawiging will be grounded in the Seven Values that inform the school’s Vision and Mission:

Manaaji’idiwin (respect)

Nibwaakaawin (wisdom)

Zoongide’ewin (courage)

Enigok izhichigewin (commitment)

Mashkawi’ayaawin (resilience)

Bagosendamowin (hope)

Niigaaniziwin (leadership)

We will teach our students to enjoy that natural curiosity about the world and to love learning about their place in the world. Our purpose as a school is to help all of our students learn their true inherent identities through a lens of Ojibwe language and culture and to build on a sense of who we are as a revitalized and thriving Red Lake community.

POSITION TITLE

Special Education Paraprofessional

POSITION SUMMARY

A Special Education Paraprofessional at Endazhi-Nitaawiging is committed to academic and personal excellence for every student and will work alongside the Special Education Teacher. He or she will understand what it means to be a lifelong learner and participate in ongoing professional development goal setting, learning and reflection in each school year. Endazhi-Nitaawiging will challenge every educator at the school to develop a thoroughly indigenized pedagogy, a way of teaching that reflects Ojibwe ways of knowing and that employs the Ojibwe language as the medium of instruction whenever possible. The Special Education Paraprofessional will work with Special Education Teacher and report to the Special Education Director and Head of School.

DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES

• Assists the Special Education Teacher in special education services delivery models such as pull-out, push-in, co-teaching, resource room, alternative instruction, level 3 specialized classrooms as assigned.
• Collaborates with the Special Education Lead and/or Special Education Director to implement IEP.
• Uses a variety of instructional and assessment strategies, as directed by the Special Education Teacher, to meet individual student needs.
• Participates in the special education evaluation process as directed by Special Education Teacher, including complying with all state and federal special education rules and regulations.
• Participates in school-provided training related to crisis intervention skills and techniques. Utilizes approved verbal de-escalation skills and behavior management techniques during crisis intervention, including physical restraint in emergency situation as prescribed by school procedures, provided training, and Minnesota statutes.
• Works with the Special Education Teacher and participates in and contributes to student planning and problem-solving conferences.
• Works with the Special Education Teacher and collaborates with other professionals/stakeholders working with the student; implements any planned and documented interventions.
• Works with the Special Education Teacher and participates in and contributes to student 504 Plan meetings and IEP meetings. Collaborates with other professionals/stakeholders working with the student. Implements any accommodations and makes any modifications for designated students as indicated in the students' Section 504 and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Teaches rules of conduct; models the behavior expected of students; maintains order in classroom and on playground.
• Maintains familiarity with and be prepared to implement current school and building Emergency Procedures.
• Supports each child’s social, emotional and intellectual growth and development.
• Ensures the wellbeing and safety of children at all times.
• Completes assigned student learning tasks.
• Other duties may be assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND STRENGTHS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in education or an equivalent combination of education and experience permitting one to obtain appropriate licensure as a teacher by the Minnesota Department of Education.
• In-depth knowledge and experience working with the Minnesota Indian community including families/students, elders, and community organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to Native language revitalization and academic excellence for Indian children.
• Respect for and uplifting of diverse cultural elements of language, tradition, citizenship status, customs, attitudes, migration stories, and humility as core values of the organizational culture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, superb interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common journals, reports, and education related documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or concerns from students, caregivers, regulatory agencies, or members of the school community.
• Ability to write lesson plans and other materials that conform to commonly accepted style and format.
• Ability to effectively present information to students, caregivers, management, and colleagues.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with staff, partners, volunteers, parents, and others.
• Knowledge and facility with various computer and educational software programs.
• Ability to travel in and out of state, obtains a valid MN driver’s license, and obtain current auto insurance.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment drug testing and State, Federal or International Background checks.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND STRENGTHS

• Valid Minnesota Teacher's License appropriate for the particular grades or subject matter
• Knowledge of land-based learning and experiential learning
• Proficient in the Ojibwe Language
• Mediation and restorative justice skills
• Experience teaching Social Emotional Learning

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume highlighting experience and qualifications related to this job and documentation of licensure credentials or statement of ability to meet licensure requirements to: Endazhi-Nitaawiging via email info@redlakecharterschool.com

Endazhi-Nitaawiging Charter School is an equal opportunity employer. Endazhi-Nitaawiging will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.