Job Description

The Opportunity : PLA Special Education Paraprofessionals are passionate and devoted assistants bringing creativity and rigor to our classrooms to support an improved learning experience for our scholars. Our Special Education Paraprofessionals are compassionate and committed to building a caring environment that nurtures the success of our school community. As a Special Education Paraprofessional at Phalen Leadership Academies, you will work under the supervision of the building principal with direct supervision provided by special education teachers. Day to day duties will vary depending on the age of students served as well as the nature and severity of the student’s disabilities. 

The Details

Key Deliverables:

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students and monitor their progress
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom
• Work with other professionals, such as speech therapists, social worker, occupational and physical therapists
• Assist building level SPED Department with maintaining student records
• Support students with behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills
• Assist in the preparation and display of student work
• Assist SPED teacher with preparing materials for students

Experience and Education Requirements:

• A passion for working with students and families in under-served communities
• High school diploma or its equivalent; some college experience, preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, and families

The Network: PLA is a transformative education nonprofit changing communities across the country by providing a depth of resources not found in the traditional education model.  In addition to serving as one of the country’s best turnaround school operators and successfully launching charter school start-ups, PLA also provides our school communities with a successful, research-based summer learning program (Summer Advantage), a successful Reading and Math Intervention program (Reading and Math Advantage), and a workforce development program (PLA University) that provides expanded opportunities for our high school graduates, along with the family members of our current staff and students. This menu of programs and services is unique to our network, sets us apart from other organizations, and provides expanded opportunities for our staff through career advancement opportunities, and expanded income opportunities.  

The Campus:  Discovery Creative Pathways (DCP) Harper Woods is a tuition-free charter school supporting K-8 scholars in the Harper Woods, MI area. Through a rigorous curriculum and high-quality instruction, our educators foster a love for learning. DCP Harper Woods embraces innovative teaching methods and technologies to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for the challenges of the future.

Offering a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as Girls/Boys Basketball, Soccer, Dance, Martial Arts, Drama Club, Cheerleading, Garden Club, and Tutoring. These activities make our school unique by providing opportunities for students to develop their skills, explore new interests, and build social connections. DCP Harper Woods prides itself on its ability to work closely with support staff, educators, and families to create a sense of joy and belonging for all scholars.

Compensation and Benefits:

PLA Special Education Paraprofessionals receive a salary that is competitively aligned with the market. In addition to salary, PLA Special Education Paraprofessionals receive: 

• Competitive Compensation
• Benefits – Healthcare, vision, and dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and being a part of professional communities within the school
• Incentive and bonus opportunities 

PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

Please read carefully.

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.

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