Elementary School Special Education Aide

Job Description

Aide at KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School

KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School is looking for committed, compassionate, and culturally competent Aides who have the power to amplify our children’s potential by contributing to creating a school experience that affirms, values, and challenges students each day. KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School Aides work with students who require additional support in order to be successful in the classroom. The Aide works collectively with teachers, school leaders, students, and family members to meet the needs of our students, ensuring their social and academic growth as they gain the skills needed to excel in school and beyond. Aides are crucial in the growth and success of the students on their caseload and work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher to ensure that all students engage in instruction at a level that is rigorous and accessible. Together, we seek to create a professional and authentic environment of joy, excellence, care, and community where educators make long term transformative outcomes for students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Classroom Responsibilities

• Guide and assist individual students (1:1 support) and/or group of students with the requisite attention needed, which is separate from the general class

• Under the direction of the Lead Teacher and/or Supervisor, complement classroom instruction to help maximize the learning opportunities for students on a caseload including, but not limited to:

  • Assist classroom teachers in creating curriculum modifications for specific students

  • Provide support to Lead Teachers, Residents, and/or Fellows by carrying out lesson plans and assisting with learning materials

  • Provide testing accommodations, including supervising students completing tests in a separate location or during an extended time

  • Review and correct student work assignments

  • Assist in the implementation of behavioral intervention plans which may involve use of positive reinforcement strategies, behavior modification, and other skills or knowledge to ensure safety and success for individual students

  • Assist individual students with self-advocacy about particular needs while in the classroom

  • Facilitate and support social interactions and foster the development of positive relationships between students on the caseload and their peers and teachers

  • Constantly assess progress, communicate results clearly, and use data to inform decisions and set goals

• May physically assist with physical needs of students, as needed

School and Professional Responsibilities

• Obtain required requirements for an Aide within one year of hire, which includes one of the following:

  • Associate’s Degree OR

  • 48 college credit hours OR

  • Pass the ParaPro Assessment with a score of 464 with study resources and support from KIPP MA

• Provide aide coverage and support to other classrooms and grade levels as needed

• Be available for an extended workday, as needed, to support colleagues, students, and families outside of school hours

• Perform necessary support duties including, but not limited to, coverage, bus, lunch, and dismissal duties

• Collaborate with grade level teams to provide support, guidance, and advocacy concerning the students on the caseload

• Dependable attendance according to our school calendar 

Regional Responsibilities

• Embody KIPP MA’s Code of Conduct by acting with integrity, leading with humanity, centering self-awareness and critical consciousness, taking personal responsibility, and engaging productively

• Participate and engage in regional professional development and community events as required

• Demonstrated ability to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and make reasonable judgments and decisions in a timely manner in accordance with the needs of the school

• Self-awareness, flexibility and emotional intelligence to navigate a setting with students who express diverse needs

• The consistent use of interpersonal and self-management skills to effectively support behavioral and emotional needs of students to ensure a safe and inclusive environment, as well as build relationships and manage conflict with students, staff, and caregivers

• Effective communication skills to perform assigned duties and to meaningfully exchange information with students, staff, families and others in person, through written communication, in front of groups, and on virtual platforms

• Physical mobility to move self in various positions in order to execute duties effectively, which may include kneeling, walking, pushing/pulling, squatting, twisting, turning, bending, stooping and reaching overhead

• Physical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 20 pounds of materials or supplies and to physically restrain a student to keep from harming themself and/or others in an emergency situation

• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform repetitive hand/wrist/arm motions and to operate a computer and office equipment

KIPP MA aides are supported in their demanding work by experienced and dedicated leadership and staff who have themselves proven successful in the teaching role. Our leaders maintain consistent school-wide systems and procedures - academic, behavioral, cultural, logistical - designed to permit aides to do their best work. 

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, there will occasionally be other duties as assigned that aides will engage in to help promote a positive and safe learning environment and culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep alignment with KIPP MA’s mission and values, including the unwavering belief in the high potential of all students

• Demonstrated ability to drive student growth and achievement and to create a warm, inclusive, rigorous learning environment (preferred)

• Possess an Associate’s Degree OR have completed 48 college credit hours OR pass the ParaPro Assessment with a score of at least 464 within a year of hire

• Experience and/or training in proper physical/tactical restraint procedure (preferred)

• Experience and/or training in proper ABA techniques for student support (preferred)

• Computer literacy and baseline familiarity with Google Suite

• Pass Criminal Background Checks

Qualifications

Additional Information

What We Offer
The minimum base salary for this exempt position is $37,000 to $50,000 (per 1.0 FTE/45 hours per week). The role includes a $1,000 signing bonus—and an annual $2,000 retention bonus in subsequent years, as well as other bonuses, when eligible. This role follows our School Year calendar. For more about what we offer, how to apply and more about KIPP MA, please visit this link HERE.

KIPP MA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in building a vibrant and welcoming school community that advances our mission of ensuring that all KIPP students graduate with the skills and confidence to lead fulfilling lives. This includes a commitment to attracting and developing individuals who understand the experiences of the students and communities we serve. We hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.