Special Education Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional

Position: Special Education Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional

Orton Academy is a tuition free public charter school for 2nd-8th grade located in central Colorado Springs, within the D11 boundary.

Orton Academy cultivates an inclusive environment where learning is accessible to students with a dyslexia profile and reading and written language difficulties. The school grounds itself in the vision that every child in Colorado Springs can reach their fullest potential. By removing reading barriers and providing dyslexia appropriate core instruction and dyslexia therapy firmly rooted in the Science of Reading, Orton Academy allows students to not only increase their access to reading, but to also increase their access to a more fulfilling life experience.

Position Summary: Orton Academy’s special education teacher assistant is responsible for assisting the special education and classroom teachers by providing instructional support and assistance in meeting the educational needs of students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following statements of essential functions and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position. Actual duties and responsibilities may vary depending on building assignment and other factors.

• Work under guidance from and in collaboration with supervising special education teacher.
• Provide instruction to students in whole group, small groups and one on one. 
• Reinforce skills instruction.
• Supervise students in the classroom, playground, lunchroom and other areas.
• Prepare instructional materials as directed.
• Perform typing, word processing, data entry, filing and run copies.
• Maintain student records and files of student work as assigned.
• Participate in planning activities and discussions regarding student’s needs and progress.
• Assist with parent involvement programs as directed.

Physical Demands: The work is mostly walking and standing with periods of sitting. Typical positions require workers to lift and carry up to 30 pounds; climb stairs; bend and crouch; reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards; demonstrate an athletic activity or physical exercise; and feel the shape, size, and temperature of objects; and physically restrain students. The work requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors.

Supervision & Technical Responsibilities: This position does not supervise other employees.

Budget Responsibility:  This position does not have any direct budget responsibility

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position:

Education & Training:

• High School Degree or Equivalent

Experience:

• Experience working with students preferred

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Oral and written communication skills.
• English language skills.
• Interpersonal relations skills.
• Basic math and accounting skills.
• Personal computer, keyboarding and word processing skills. 
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions. 
• Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations.

Salary, Benefits, and Terms 

• Salary range from $16.50-$21.00 per hour
• Benefits include sick leave, insurance, enrollment priority for employee's dependents, retirement
• Reports directly to the Principal
• Must pass background check
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

At Minga Education Group, we proudly operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer, purposely building an inclusive workforce representative of various cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We believe in respect for all and do not discriminate based on hair, race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law is not allowed.

If you have questions or need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact our Human Resource Director at 719-648-0800.