Special Education Paraprofessional

2024-2025 Opening

The Organization

In Fall 2022, Thrive with Autism opened its first groundbreaking public school with the goal of dramatically improving education for children on the autism spectrum. Thrive Center for Success is the first charter school in the state of Texas dedicated to serving a special-needs population. Founded in 2019, Thrive with Autism’s mission and vision have brought hope to families who desperately want better educational options for their children on the autism spectrum. This fall Thrive will serve 156 students Kindergarten through 7th grade, adding a grade level each year to eventually serve up to 12th grade. Thrive plans to open a second campus in central Houston soon.

ROLE:

Must be an energetic positive personality who loves children and has a passion and drive to improve the instructional quality of our school. To support our instructional practices to the benefit of all our students. Help create a welcoming environment for faculty and students within a classroom setting that helps each student thrive. The Special Education Paraprofessional will report directly to their classroom Special Education Teacher but will periodically get supervisory feedback from the Principal, Director of Operations & Curriculum, Special Education Director, Behavior Analyst, CABAS consultants, and other mentor teachers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Learn daily routines, resources, and practices.

● Supervise recess, carpool, and lunch as assigned.

● Receive and adjust instructional practices based on feedback.

● Learn to record, graph, and analyze instructional and learning data.

● Support preparation of teacher lesson plans that conform to the adopted curriculum and that factor each student's unique learning circumstances, as appropriate and necessary.

● Support assessments of student progress.

● Continue to develop knowledge and skills by attending professional development opportunities and applying training to classroom teaching.

● Communicate learning needs to teachers and report behavioral concerns or issues to principal and other staff, as appropriate.

● Address student behavior as appropriate and necessary, implement positive behavior reinforcements, and maintain a proper classroom management style conducive to student learning.

● Collaborate with other staff to implement each student's individualized education program.

● Learn to and apply the use of information technology to implement the adopted curriculum, lesson plans, and individualized education program requirements to daily classroom teaching.

● Have timely communication with teachers about student needs.

● Observe student behavior and learning and leverage student interests and learning abilities to work towards mastery of adopted curriculum and classroom lessons.

● Implements instructional activities as assigned that contribute to student engagement and academic growth.

● Implements instructional resources provided to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds and learning needs.

● Supports student growth and achievement to be continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area, and/or program.

● Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting schedules and honoring deadlines.

● Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/CRITERIA:

• Able to lift 50 pounds, run 100 yards, drop/lift to one knee, go up/down stairs, and pass all verbal/physical competencies to be a fully certified Safety Care specialist.

• Certification as a Registered Behavior Technician plus.

• Bachelor's degree in related field a plus.

• Fluency in Spanish a plus.

• Desire to grow and advance professionally with the school preferred.

• Experience in schools, working with children with autism, and Applied BehaviorAnalysis preferred.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Will be evaluated using the CABAS rank system. Thrive Center for Success’ School Culture & Values

● Every Child Feels Valued

● Celebrate Uniqueness

● Inclusive, Safe Environment

● Welcoming/Nurturing/Positive Environment

● Educating one of us takes all of us

● A “We” Community - Team Oriented

● A “Yes” Community – Look for ways to make it possible. “Why Not”

● Do Whatever It Takes

● Open to Feedback/Constructive Criticism

● Transparency

● Live By Our Values - Servant Leadership

Thrive’s Commitment to Diversity

Thrive with Autism is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Thrive with Autism is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for Paraprofessional positions begins at $24,000 and increases based on years of relevant experience, earned degrees, and current certifications. Thrive offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental benefits, and time off via school holidays, summer break, and PTO. Thrive is a participant in the Teacher’s Retirement System of Texas (TRS).

To Apply: Visit www.thrivesuccess.org/jobs