Paraprofessional

Location - Propel Montour Middle School

Propel seeks a Paraprofessional for our Special Education Department. This position is based at Propel Montour Middle School and is available immediately. Starting salary begins at $28,000 and goes to $32,000 commiserate with years of experience. This position works for 200 days annually.

Job Summary

Propel Schools is the largest, fastest expanding charter school in the state with a network of schools throughout Allegheny County. Propel Schools is dedicated to transforming public education so that all children have access to high-performing public schools.

Propel schools operate with an extended school year to increase learning time and opportunities for our scholars. We have 190 instructional days (10 more than traditional school districts) and 8 professional development days to better support our staff for a total of 200 work days annually.

The Paraprofessional will play an important role in providing our scholars with the academic, behavioral and social emotional support they need. You will support scholars in large and small groups and/or provide individualized academic and behavior reinforcement inside the regular classroom and/or through pull-out. You will also assist the teachers in preparing curriculum materials, collecting and reporting student data and ensuring students follow school-wide academic and behavioral expectations.

The paraprofessional works as part of the Special Education Team and reports to the Director of Pupil Services.

Why Work at Propel

Propel Schools provide a full continuum of support and services to each and every scholar identified in need of Special Education so each scholar is college and career ready and able to achieve a level of competence, independence, self advocacy and productivity based on their own unique abilities. We have School Leaders, Directors, Coordinators, educators and support staff who work together to support each other in the service of scholar learning

All students receiving special education services are general education students who:

• Receive collaborative instruction in the least restrictive environment.
• Have opportunities for specially designed instruction to close the opportunity gap for each student as part of each school's annual plan.
• Have access to high-quality, rigorous, individualized instruction delivered by teams that receive collaborative professional development.
• Develop and demonstrate practices that embrace the diversity brought to the classroom by each scholar are provided service in compliance with the intent of IDIEA 2004.

Essential Mindsets

• Own It. Our teachers are instructional experts who hold high expectations for themselves and their scholars. We work hard, set goals, and take responsibility for our scholars learning.
• Walk Through the Door. Our teachers are professional with their scholars, families, and colleagues. We show up on time with a positive mindset and never give up on what's possible for our scholars.
• Look in the Mirror. Our teachers value feedback and work to continuously improve for our scholars. Our staff is accountable, dedicated and honest.
• Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated. Our teachers are culturally competent. In all interactions they are courteous, engaged and empathetic.
• Do Your Part. Our teachers are relationship builders. We make connections with our scholars, our families, our colleagues and our community and realize that education is a team effort.

Qualifications

• An Associate Degree or at least 48 college credits or completion of the ParaPro Test in lieu of college credits
• Education related Field or Work Experience
• Ability to work collaboratively in a non-traditional, Urban education environment
• A positive, high-energy attitude
• Demonstrable ability to build relationships with students
• High level of personal organization and planning
• Strong communication and problem solving skills
• Willingness to participate in ongoing Professional Development
• A commitment to the Promising Principles of Propel

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation: Propel provides a competitive salary for paraprofessionals. Based on relevant prior work experience, our salary range for this role is $28,000 - $32,000.
• Relocation Allowance: A relocation allowance for new hires moving to the area from 60 miles away or further.
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plan options at a low cost for individual employees and families.
• Retirement: New hires participate in a 403(b); Propel contributes 5% automatically and matches up to 4%. This increases after 5 years.
• Paid Leave: In addition to 2 paid Wellness days annually, all Specialists receive 5 sick days and 9 Personal Days.
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually upon completion of course and receipt of grades for coursework that meets our eligibility requirements.
• Wellness Benefit: Reimbursement of $20 per month for wellness activities including Gym Memberships, health programs, etc. Additionally, staff have the ability to earn up to $300 for participation in a Wellness Program each year.
• Professional Development: At Propel, we believe in supporting staff growth and provide substantial school-based and network-wide professional development support for specialists, including 8 Professional Development days annually.
• Leadership & Career Development: Leadership opportunities are extensive at Propel, both in and outside of the classroom. If you are interested in receiving your teacher certification, we have two available pathways through our in-house Teacher Residency Program. For candidates without a bachelor's degree, we offer support to attain your degree and receive a teacher certification. For candidates with a bachelor's degree, we have an in-house residency program to complete qualifications for teacher certification.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.