Paraprofessional 

Lawrence 

Who We Are

Phoenix Charter Academy aims to show the world what all young people can do, and to defy the limitations of societal assumptions, classism, and racism.  Phoenix Charter Academy was founded on the unwavering belief that all students can succeed at high levels. While this mantra is typical of high-performing schools, particularly those in the charter sector, Phoenix truly endeavors to reach every student, focusing on a growing number on the margins of the traditional public district education system: students who have dropped out of high school, students who are parenting children of their own, students who are or have been involved with the juvenile justice system, students who are older and new to the country and cannot gain access to public schooling, and students who are under-credited relative to the number of years they have spent enrolled in high school. We believe that these students, like all students, are completely capable of developing the skills necessary to set themselves up for lifetimes of economic prosperity and success. We support our students with individually tailored and academically rigorous curricula and push them to succeed at the highest levels by providing them with the resources and mentoring that they need to reach their full potential. 

Why Our Work is Important

Students across America are dropping out of high school at an alarming rate. Dropping out of high school has a substantial impact on a young person’s life. Over the course of their lifetime, an individual who drops out of high school is more likely to have reduced earning power, greater social service dependency, increased rates of criminal involvement, and shorter life expectancy. Phoenix Charter Academies addresses this trend by creating environments where students can demonstrate their talent and resilience and prepare themselves for success through high school, college, and beyond. 

Commitment to DEI

At Phoenix, we recognize the importance of forming a school community inclusive of all visible and invisible identities. We act to ensure that our students and staff always see reflections of themselves and their communities.

At Phoenix, we aim to break down systemic barriers by providing access to resources, experiences, and differentiated supports for historically marginalized groups.

At Phoenix, we solicit, value, understand, connect, and leverage multiple perspectives and experiences. We invite all perspectives except those that perpetuate oppression or dehumanization.

At Phoenix we do not just accept difference - we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our scholars and the communities we serve. We believe difference makes us stronger. Phoenix Charter Academy is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to making any reasonable accommodation necessary to support an individual's employment. 

Qualities of Phoenix staff member:

• Unwavering belief in our students - Phoenix staff operate with the deeply held belief that all young people want to and can succeed even in the face of substantial systemic barriers and societal constraints. 
• Continuous Improvement - Phoenix staff approach problem solving with curiosity and desire to understand the perspectives of others. They carry an internalized sense of “I can always learn more” and know that adults at Phoenix must model the qualities of being open-minded and willing to make mistakes and learn from them. Phoenix staff members embody “lifelong learner” mindsets and strive for constant improvement. 

• Eager to Learn - Phoenix staff must be able to learn as they go in a fast paced, ever evolving, urgent environment. They have the desire to receive direct feedback and the ability to implement the feedback into practice quickly.

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Phoenix staff commit to understanding the ways that their self-identity and experiences impact and interact with their daily work, their colleagues, and their students, and work toward furthering initiatives that promote a more equitable society. 

The Opportunity

At Phoenix Charter Academy, we pride ourselves on giving students a vibrant learning experience in a welcoming environment. Our community counts on paraprofessionals to bring the best to the classroom every day. We’re searching for a qualified paraprofessional to join us in delivering high-quality learning experiences.. The ideal candidate has prior experience in this role, and is flexible to adapt to the changing nature of the demands of the class. He or she will work closely with an assigned staff member and support them in their duties. Typical tasks include working with students in groups and individually during lessons, assisting with lesson plans and materials, grading homework, and writing progress reports. The thriving paraprofessional is caring, compassionate, and committed to each student’s success.

Your Contribution

In addition to demonstrating the qualities of a Phoenix staff member, the Paraprofessional will be responsible for the following:

Specific Responsibilities:   

• Provide instructional reinforcement under the direction of the classroom teacher in executing lesson plans
• Co-teaching lessons under the Teacher's guidance, leading small groups or individual instruction and discussions, and reviewing classwork.
• Serve as a positive, nurturing guide for students
• Model professional and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, staff, and community, following and upholding school rules and standards
• Safely supervise students in both instructional and assessment activities in and out of the classroom
• Participate in planning sessions with the learning team, communicating with parents and school officials as needed
• Ensure classroom safety standards are met at all times
• Monitor children with particular attention to those with special/language needs
• Engage with children to enhance learning
• Perform clerical tasks as required

 Daily and Monthly Responsibilities

• Co-teach lesson components as determined by the teacher, leading small-group or individual instruction and discussion, and reviewing classwork material
• Attend to students' physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs; help with translation and hygienic needs when necessary
• Organize classroom and teaching materials; verify and track student attendance
• Perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, and photocopying; grade tests and homework, recording the results
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, parents, and staff to enhance the instructional environment; participate in parent-teacher and faculty meetings and events

Additional Responsibilities as Required

• Participates weekly in Scholar Success Team meetings and other cross-school meetings as necessary
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to coordinate and support school programming
• Classroom coverage based on the needs of the school

Qualifications

• Deep belief in the mission of Phoenix Charter Academy Network
• High school diploma or GED required
• Proven experience working with students
• Effective communication skills; oral, written, and visual with adults and children
• Understanding of basic principles of childhood development
• Familiarity with educational software or willingness to learn

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and as such, we do not discriminate against any team member or candidate because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Phoenix Charter Academy is committed to making any reasonable accommodation necessary to support an individual's employment.

**The Network retains the right to modify this job description at any time, for any reason, at the Network’s sole discretion**