This position is 6.5 hours/9 months

Northwood Middle School is located in the northeast corner of the Kent School District in Renton, Washington. Our school motto is Learners Today...Leaders Tomorrow. We are a school of approximately 650 7th and 8th grade students. We believe in high expectations for both students and staff. We take pride in a strong tradition of academic excellence. Using a collaborative data-driven approach to decision-making, we focus our academic and social/emotional interventions based on the needs of our students. We offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities designed to enrich their academic experience as well as support their social and emotional development during their transitional years. We are proud of our strong music, STEM and athletics programs offered to students. We are also pleased to have a supportive community and strong partnership with our parents and PTSA.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This 9 month position is part of the KAP bargaining unit.

All KAP applicants are required to show proof of 72 college level credits, an AA degree (or higher), or passed the Para Professional Assessment. If an applicant is in need of testing, they can still apply, and if they are the finalist candidate they will need to pass the Para Professional before being hired into the role. Upon hire, new paraeducators will be required to complete state required training offered through our KSD Professional Development Team.

The LINK classroom is designed for students who are in need of a more restrictive educational program due to significant challenges in learning, behavior and social-emotional well-being affecting their success at their boundary school. The LINK program is designed to support students who have average to above average cognitive abilities who are capable of meeting standard on Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and related state assessments. The program will serve students with High Functioning Autism (HFA), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD), mental health disorders and other health impairments that effect social communication. Students are provided and educated with preventative autism specific strategies that include high levels of positive reinforcement, structure and visual/tactile supports, differentiation and skill development through the consistent use of proven classroom management techniques, data collection systems and progress monitoring systems. Position may require staff to provide individual student support as determined by the building administrator and/or classroom teacher.

This grant funded paraeducator position, will, under the supervision of certificated staff, support students in math and/or literacy. This paraeducator will work with 7th & 8th graders in a variety of instructional settings. The paraeducator's duties may include: small group instruction, one-on-one instruction, teaming with other staff. Responsibilities vary with the individual assignment, but typically include instruction of students, student discipline, planning, preparation of materials, testing, and record keeping.

ASSIGNMENT: Paraeducators assist the teacher(s) in various special education programs. The paraeducator's duties include small group instruction, one-on-one instruction, preparing materials for a lesson, correcting papers, data collection, teaming, collaboration between regular and special education staff and assisting students with individual learning and behavior needs.

This 9 month position is part of the KAP bargaining unit working with students in the Title and/or LAP programs. Candidate must have paraeducator skills in monitoring achievement progress in small group settings; KSD trained to provide varied reading and math interventions; and a commitment to communicating collaboratively with teacher colleagues and with paraeducator peers.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. AA degree, 72 quarter-hour college credits, OR ParaPro Assessment with a score of 461 or higher. (Transcripts or proof of parapro score must on file to be considered for an interview.)
2. Completion of state required training upon hire
3. Proof of High School completion. Copy of diploma or transcripts must be on file at start of employment. College transcripts that specifically state completion of high school will be accepted in lieu of high school diploma.
4. Physically strong enough to assist with restraint, lifting, and transferring students to a safe place.
5. Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment, including handling of confidential matters.

Please note: If you do not meet the required qualifications, your name will be screened out from the list of qualified candidates.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience working with high needs students at the middle school level. Must not be afraid of students with behavior disorders.
2. Previous experience with intervention programs
3. Knowledge of effective instructional methods and techniques
4. Right Response Training recommended.
5. Must not be insulted by students swearing and using inappropriate language.
6. Demonstrated ability to work with students who are in an at-risk situation.
7. Ability to communicate in another language.
8. Ability to exhibit multicultural and ethnic understanding and sensitivity with the ability to communicate effectively with all cultural groups in the school community.
9. Experience working with a diverse student population and the specific school demographics.
10. Ability to be dependable, including good habits in attendance and punctuality.
11. Must have strong communication skills.
12. Must have strong interpersonal skills working with a team of adults.
13. Must develop healthy, respectful, and positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.
14. Must be able to take initiative to do what needs to be done without being told.
15. Must be enthusiastic, positive and be a team member and able to demonstrate flexibility working with students, parents, and staff.
16. Must maintain positive learning environment and have ability to relate to all students, parents, and colleagues.
17. Desired characteristics are: flexibility; ability to organize ideas, time and materials to accomplish goals; enthusiasm; ability to express ideas clearly and understand concepts being discussed; ability to learn new ideas and skills; ability and willingness to develop favorable relationships with students; and willingness to model behavior deemed appropriate by the school district and the community.