Exceptional Education Paraprofessional

Exceptional Education Paraprofessional

KIPP Nashville Public Schools is a network of high-performing, free, open enrollment K-12 schools that has been committed to positively affecting student outcomes in Nashville since 2005. KIPP Nashville is part of the acclaimed KIPP Network, which educates 100,000+ students nationwide and supports students from Pre-Kindergarten through college, career and beyond. Through the KIPP Forward program, our team helps students identify their career of highest aspiration and develop the skills and confidence to chase their dreams. KIPP Nashville currently operates four elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools.

The mission of KIPP Nashville is together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose - college, career and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our core values are GROWTH, TEAM, and SHINE. If you share in this belief and values, if you have a proven willingness to do what it takes for students to be their best, if you thrive in an environment that is both collaborative and entrepreneurial, then you are already a KIPPster.

Job Description

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

All KIPP Nashville staff have a responsibility for ensuring that every KIPP Nashville student achieves the academic skills, intellectual habits and character traits necessary to succeed in the nation's top colleges and universities. KIPP Nashville is seeking Exceptional Education Paraprofessionals to support students with disabilities across multiple schools over the course of the school year. The Special Education Paraprofessional will support students to be successful in an inclusion and/or resource setting in partnership with the classroom and special education teachers.

Responsibilities of the Exceptional Education Paraprofessional will include, but are not limited to:

• Support students' access to instructional and classroom activities as directed by teacher(s) across an entire grade level
• Assist with direct academic, functional and/or specifically designed instructional or physical activities
• Supervise and accompany students to the office, bus, classroom, cafeteria, etc.
• Communicate regularly with classroom teacher(s), related service professionals, and parents regarding students' needs and progress
• May be required to support and diffuse excessively disruptive or aggressive behavior during which time the employee may need to restrain, hold, lift, or apply physical management techniques, and crisis intervention techniques (employee will receive all necessary training for proper implementation)
• May be asked to support toileting assistance with students
• Support administrative and instructional duties, providing individual and small group instruction, and delivering student assessments
• Participate in professional learning and development at the school and regional level
• Possibility of assignment shift (working with various students and possibly at different buildings)
• Meets KIPP professionalism expectations as outlined in the KIPP Instructional Excellence Rubric
• Accurately complete timesheets and work overtime as it is pre approved by a manager
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Desired Experience:

• Pass Criminal Background Check (Required)
• Experience working with students with and/or caretakers
• Ability to engage in restraints such as hug containment, elbow to hip containment
• Ability to work with students with physical, emotional, and/or intellectual disabilities
• Knowledge of classroom management and child development techniques and principles
• Knowledge of CPR and basic first aid techniques a plus

Desired Qualities:

• Unwavering commitment to KIPP Nashville's mission, core values, students, families, and community
• Firm belief in affirming the identity of students, families and staff
• Demonstrates excitement in growing students into their highest selves and believes that providing students with an excellent education is our largest lever as anti-racist educators for racial equity.
• Eagerness to collaborate and problem-solve with a variety of stakeholders
• Demonstrate commitment to continue their professional development individually
• Demonstrates excitement in growing students into their highest selves

Additional Information

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting salary is $37,400
• To establish equitable salary practices, the compensation package is derived from the regional KIPP Nashville Public Schools pay scale. This position is exempt and will follow a 10-month work schedule.

• Robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance policy options. Application for these benefits may be made immediately upon employment. The policy is effective upon the first of the month following the first day of work.
• The vacation package for salaried employees includes 29 paid days throughout the 10 month work schedule(including holidays, fall break, thanksgiving break, winter break) as well as summer break. In addition employees in this role are allotted 6 PTO days. Employees are allotted an additional 2 days after every 2 consecutive years of employment. Eligible staff members receive payment for unused PTO days at the end of the fiscal year.

Apply online at KIPP Careers. Please contact recruiting@kippnashville.org with any questions.