One to One Paraprofessional

About Our Academy

Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child’s love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

To provide support and personalized assistance to students with diverse learning needs. They aim to create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Through individualized care plans, they work to address students' unique challenges, whether they be academic, behavioral, or emotional, fostering growth and development while promoting independence. Their ultimate objective is to ensure that each student they serve has the opportunity to reach their full potential, both academically and personally, while fostering a sense of belonging within the educational community.

What you'll do

• Supports student with a disability in a 1:1 capacity
• Completes daily documentation of student with Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Works with the Special Education team to support student
• Helps the classroom teacher organize
  and distribute lesson materials.
• Assists the classroom teacher in supporting instruction and engaging student in learning.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy, and the
  community under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Demonstrates exceptional classroom techniques, which include the art of questioning, clarity of
  assignments, communicating an atmosphere of mutual respect, independent thought and
  expression, and student and classroom teacher experiences in large and small groups.
• Assists the classroom teacher with assessing learner needs, progress and achievement.
• Assists the classroom teacher in maintaining individual student records, when asked.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the classroom teacher or school leader.

Qualifications

While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:

Minimum Requirements:

• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours); or obtain an associate's degree (or higher); or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment or successfully pass the ETS Parapro Assessment
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or
• Knowledge of and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• Ability to communicate with students, staff and guardians in a professional manner.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Exemplary work habits verified by previous employers.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Requirements:

• Knowledge of and skills working with at-risk students.
• Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.

About Choice Schools Associates

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, WMAES is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

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