Bi-Lingual Para-Professional

Job Description – Bi-Lingual Paraprofessional

About CANO

Community Academies of New Orleans (“CANO”) is a new charter school management organization created to bring together Esperanza Charter School, Foundation Prep Charter School, and Lafayette Academy Charter School with the ultimate goal of strengthening all three schools. The nonprofit boards that governed Foundation Prep and Choice Foundation voted to establish this partnership in 2019 to benefit from the organizations’ shared values, similar programming, and strong leadership, and set operations of CANO to launch ahead of the 2020-2021 academic year.

CANO’s vision is to build a system of exemplary schools, deeply influenced by our students, families, and communities, with graduates who are committed to being community advocates and leaders. Its mission is to cultivate schools that nurture students’ character and critical thinking ability in responsive learning environments, thereby equipping them to be impactful community leaders. CANO will strive for high academic performance at all our schools while securing partnerships and programming that use community assets to support our schools and students. In doing this, CANO brings a fresh, yet grounded, vision to the New Orleans charter landscape and forges a new path ahead for students, families, and communities alike.

CANO’s Values are:

• INTEGRITY. We always do the right thing.

• TEAMWORK. We work and grow together.

• PASSION. We love our students; our community; our work.

• DIGNITY. We value and respect every member of our community.

• COURAGE. We approach challenges with optimism and confidence.

About the Role

The English Learner Paraprofessional is responsible for helping prepare and present lessons under the supervision of the teacher of record. Bilingual or not, the paraprofessional needs a high level of English so they can instruct students on how to speak and read English, as the teacher directs. They help the teacher configure the class into teams, groups or pairs for special activities. The EL Paraprofessional often serves as a team or group leader for one of the sections in a learning game or contest, and makes sure students are paying attention and engaged in the assignments.

About the Opportunity

• Helps the teacher assess the students' performance levels and needs

• Translates the teacher's instructions and explanations into the students' first language and translates student talk for the teacher.

• interprets for parents during conferences, on the telephone or at parent night

• Translates letters and notes from the teacher or school to parents and from parents to the teacher.

• Assist the teacher with assessing needs, goal & objectives, functional levels and motivational levels of the student

• Assists with collaborating with parents and school staff to track students’ progress

• Helps teacher monitor children’s behavioral patterns and arrange appropriate interventions if needed

• Assists with management of classroom crises and resolve conflict

• Assisting EL students in achieving academic success

• Working with students who may be aggressive or disruptive in class

• Assist teachers in adapting lessons for English learners and providing in-class support.

• Repeats or rephrases directions and checks to make sure each student understands.

Requirements

• High School Diploma( required)

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

• Bi-Lingual

• Two years of English Learner paraprofessional experience (preferred)

• Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies

• Must be able to handle and react to potential volatile situations and take appropriate action.

• A strong desire to work towards equity within education

• Growth mindset and a desire to learn and grow through consistent coaching and feedback

• A patient, resourceful, and resilient personality

• Belief that all students are capable of success and deserve to be pushed to a rigorous academic and behavioral bar

• Willingness to do whatever it takes and go above and beyond to serve all students, faculty, and parents

• Calming Nature

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 75% of the workday while providing instruction.

• Regularly and frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a laptop or desktop computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, inside the classroom and school building while monitoring students productivity and behavior on a daily basis.

• Occasionally reach with hands and arms and must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

• Occasionally ascend and descend stairs to migrate throughout the workspace

More about CANO

CANO Schools offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. Aside from extensive professional development, all of our instructional staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies. We also require all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of the COVID-19 vaccination within 30 days of the date of hire.

EEO Statement

CANO believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. "We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Community Academies of New Orleans is an EEO employer and prohibits discrimination, harassment or retaliation in accordance with federal, state and local laws."