Paraprofessional

Position: Paraprofessional 

Role Description: 

Paraprofessionals ensure that ALL scholars successfully master  Élan Academy’s rigorous academic program, focusing specifically on scholars with exceptionalities by implementing strategic and intensive supports. Paraprofessionals at Élan Academy possess the unwavering belief that ALL scholars can achieve greatness and provide effective academic, emotional, and physical services that ensure scholars have the foundation necessary to thrive in secondary school, succeed in college, and access lives of opportunity.

About Élan Academy: 

Founded in 2017, Élan Academy Charter School is an academically challenging, disciplined, and joyful elementary school located in New Orleans, LA. Through a classical curriculum, high-quality instruction, and leadership development, Élan Academy Charter School ensures that all scholars have the foundation necessary to thrive in secondary school, succeed in college, and access lives of opportunity.

An Élan Academy Teammate…

• Does whatever it takes. We are Élan Academy teachers, not just individual classroom teachers. We recognize that we are all responsible for building, preserving, and maintaining our school culture. 
• Embodies our core values. We want to build a culture of open, honest, and productive dialogue with one another. We are expected to share our ideas, thoughts, and concerns. We value the power of shared leadership.   
• Believes results come from hard work. Our preparation creates the opportunity for success. We understand that Élan Academy’s success is the result of persistent effort, resilience, and a shared dedication to continuous improvement.
• Sweats the small stuff.  We understand that every detail matters and that focusing on the details helps us build strong daily habits that contribute to success.
• Embodies no-nonsense nurturing. We build meaningful relationships with our scholars and hold them accountable for meeting high expectations.
• Teaches ALL scholars until they learn. We are committed to providing an equitable learning environment. We ensure that all scholars have access to high-quality instructional resources and support in order to meet their most rigorous learning outcomes.
• Understand that we are members of one school with one mission, working together at all times. We share our passion for teaching and learning with our colleagues, our scholars, and our families to achieve the mission.  

Responsibilities: 

• Embody & Élan Academy’s mission, vision, and values;
• Participate in an annual summer staff orientation and training;
• Communicate effectively with scholars, families, and colleagues
• Implement scholar accommodations according to their IEP.
• Assist lead teachers, special education teachers, and service providers in implementing instructional activities that align with the school's curriculum and educational goals.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support to students who require additional assistance with academic tasks.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel supported and valued.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of classroom materials, resources, and technology needed for instruction.
• Supervise students during classroom activities, transitions, and other times as directed by the scholar’s IEP.
• Collaborate with teachers and other staff members to  implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
• Monitor student progress and behavior, and communicate observations to the teacher or other appropriate team members.
• Support scholars with personal and health-related care needs, including diapering and toileting, feeding, and mobility assistance, as outlined in the scholar’s IEP, Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP), or as directed by the school nurse.
• Perform specialized health and personal care procedures for scholars with significant medical needs, including gastrostomy tube (G-tube) feeding and frequent diaper changes, after completing required training and under the guidance of the school nurse or appropriate licensed provider.
• Follow universal precautions and infection control procedures, including proper handwashing, glove use, and sanitary disposal, when assisting with feeding, diapering, and other personal care tasks.
• Protect each scholar’s dignity, privacy, and safety at all times when providing personal and medical care, and document and report any changes in a scholar’s health, comfort, or behavior to the school nurse, teacher, or appropriate team member.
• Assist with the implementation of behavior management strategies and interventions to promote a positive and safe learning environment.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance job-related skills and knowledge.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Scholar Support Coordinator.

Mindset Requirements: 

• Believe that there is not a more urgent task than providing an outstanding academic and character education to ALL scholars regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, 
• Believe that the children of New Orleans have been historically underserved, and they deserve an excellent education.  
• Believe the opportunity gap can be eliminated and that this can be accomplished not through heroics but through focused instruction. 
• Believe children can thrive academically, creatively, and emotionally in a highly organized learning environment.
• Believe fostering great relationships with families and stakeholders can lead to transformational learning opportunities. 
• Believe high-quality schools focus on scholar learning and intentionally use data to influence scholar outcomes. 
• Believe that all members of the Élan Academy Community are capable of growth. We invest in consistent, measurable, and meaningful learning opportunities that promote academic and personal advancement for all scholars and adults. 
• Believe that the standardized exams our students take  provide valuable data that must inform our instruction.

Compensation: 

Élan Academy offers a generous compensation package, including a 401 (K) contribution match, health, dental, and vision insurance, and more! Élan Academy also ensures that ALL staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.

Education Requirements:

• High School Diploma Required
• One of the following: 
  • LA ParaPro Praxis Passed- Score 450+ 
  • 48hrs of college credit or Associates Degree 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and to position, transfer, and physically support scholars with limited mobility, with or without adaptive equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for extended periods.
• Ability to assist students with physical tasks as needed.
• Ability to kneel, crouch, and bend repeatedly to assist scholars with diapering, feeding, and personal care.
• Ability to respond quickly to scholars’ medical, safety, and mobility needs throughout the school day.