Paraprofessional

East Lansing, MI

Cole Academy is seeking a full-time 1st Grade Paraprofessional to join their team.

Cole Academy is Lansing's longest-standing charter school in the state of Michigan and received a charter through Central Michigan University in 1995. The Academy originated as an Early Childhood Center and over the years, gradually became a K-5 Public School. Combining a foundation of current, research-based, balanced literacy objectives and a sustained professional development direction from Heggerty and UFLI and current literacy program supports that  "raised the bar" for student achievement. Reader’s and Writer’s Workshops continue to be critical directions for Cole Academy. Math facts operation and mastery and problem solving are a strong focus within our math curriculum. MTSS tiered interventions and support and PBIS behavior supports continue to be at the forefront of our student progress monitoring for student growth and success. All core subjects are a priority with ELA and Math as the foundation. 

Cole Academy Values

1. We are committed to hiring a racially diverse staff at our district.

2. Willingness to learn new skills, to be reflective, and to acquire new knowledge through sustained professional learning

3. Establishes and maintain standards for student behavior needed to achieve a respectful and cooperative learning atmosphere in the classroom

4. Ability to work and flow with the lead teacher and support in all initiatives within and out of the classroom for student supports and oversight for growth and success

5. Willingness to work as a team within the classroom and school teams for student growth and school and team success

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate 1st Grade Paraprofessional to work with special education and general education students. The ideal candidate will assist teachers in providing support to students, helping to create a positive and productive learning environment. This role is essential in fostering academic growth and ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

  • Provide instructional assistance under the supervision of the classroom Teacher

  • Assist in the preparation and delivery of instructional plans

  • Provide individual and small-group instruction

  • Support student assessment

  • Regular and predictable attendance

  • Assist teachers in planning and implementing instructional activities.

  • Support students with disabilities during classroom activities, both academically and behaviorally, ensuring they can fully participate in the learning process.

  • Help with classroom management and maintain a positive learning environment.

  • Monitor and document student progress, behavior, and participation.

  • Assist with the preparation of teaching materials and classroom resources.

  • Supervise students during non-instructional times (e.g., recess, lunch).

  • Communicate effectively with teachers, students, and parents regarding student progress and needs.

Cognitive Demands:

  • Supervise multiple students at once

  • Provide instructional assistance to students in an individual or small group setting

  • Ability to maintain a safe and orderly environment for students

  • Participate in continuous professional development

  • Effective oral and written communication skills

Physical Demands:

  • Occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds 

  • Stand and walk frequently

  • Withstand all demands presented by outside weather conditions at any time of the year 

  • Assist/lift students if necessary

  • Withstand a moderate noise level

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in education or related field preferred.

  • Previous experience working with children or in an educational setting.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

  • Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for helping students succeed.

Company Benefits:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, Vision, & Dental Plans

  • 5% 401(k) company match

  • Life, ADD, STD, LTD 100% paid by the employer

  • Voluntary Plans Available

For more information on Cole Academy, please visit our website at https://www.coleacademy.org/.

CS Partners/Partner Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information,  military or veteran status, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, height, weight, or any other protected status under federal, state or local laws.