ML Paraprofessional at Tecumseh Junior High School

LAFAYETTE SCHOOL CORPORATION

JOB POSTING

MULTILINGUAL LEARNER (ML) PARAPROFESSIONAL

POSITION TITLE: Multilingual Learner (ML) Paraprofessional – Part-Time
LOCATION: Tecumseh Junior High School
RATE OF PAY: $15.50 per hour
HOURS: 29 hours per week (Monday–Friday, when school is in session)
BENEFITS: Paid Time Off (PTO)
REPORTS TO: Building Administrator or Designee

POSITION SUMMARY

Lafayette School Corporation is seeking a dedicated, student-centered Multilingual Learner (ML) Paraprofessional to support students who are developing English language proficiency while accessing grade-level academic instruction.

The ML Paraprofessional works collaboratively with classroom teachers, multilingual education staff, and other school personnel to provide instructional assistance, language development support, and individualized assistance to multilingual learners in general education classrooms and small-group settings.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, cultural awareness, patience, flexibility, and a commitment to helping students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds succeed academically and socially.

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or French Creole (Haitian Creole) is highly preferred.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Multilingual Learner Paraprofessional will:

1. Classroom Instructional Support: Provide direct instructional assistance to multilingual learners in general education classrooms, helping students understand lessons, follow directions, complete assignments, and actively participate in classroom activities.
2. Access to Academic Content: Support students in accessing grade-level curriculum by reinforcing academic vocabulary, clarifying instructional language, explaining directions, and using appropriate instructional scaffolds under the guidance of licensed teachers.
3. English Language Development: Reinforce English language acquisition through structured opportunities for listening, speaking, reading, and writing across academic content areas.
4. Individual and Small-Group Assistance: Work with individual students and small groups to reinforce instructional concepts, strengthen language skills, and provide additional academic support as directed by classroom teachers or multilingual education staff.
5. Instructional Accommodations and Supports: Assist teachers in implementing appropriate language supports, including visual aids, graphic organizers, vocabulary resources, translated materials when appropriate, and other instructional strategies designed to increase student understanding and participation.
6. Bilingual Language Support: When proficient in a student's home language, provide appropriate language assistance to clarify instructions, support comprehension, and facilitate communication while encouraging continued development of English proficiency.
7. Student Engagement and Independence: Encourage multilingual learners to participate in classroom discussions, collaborate with peers, develop confidence, and become increasingly independent in their academic work.
8. Teacher Collaboration: Communicate regularly with classroom teachers and multilingual education staff regarding student needs, academic progress, language development, and effective instructional strategies.
9. Student Progress Monitoring: Assist teachers with observing, documenting, and communicating student participation, academic performance, and language development as directed.
10. Cultural Responsiveness: Help create an inclusive, welcoming learning environment that respects and values students' diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and experiences.
11. Student Transitions and School Adjustment: Assist multilingual learners, particularly students new to the school or the United States, in understanding classroom routines, school expectations, schedules, and available resources.
12. Instructional Materials and Technology: Assist with preparing instructional resources, organizing learning materials, and supporting the use of educational technology, translation tools, and language-learning resources.
13. Student and Family Communication: As directed by appropriate school personnel, assist with routine communication involving multilingual students and families when language proficiency allows. Formal interpretation or translation of sensitive, legal, or specialized information must be handled by appropriately qualified personnel.
14. Confidentiality and Professionalism: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records, academic performance, family information, and other protected information in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.
15. Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties consistent with the position as assigned by the building administrator or supervising teacher.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet applicable paraprofessional qualification requirements, which may include:
  • Completion of at least 48 semester credit hours of postsecondary education; or
  • Successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment or another district-approved qualifying assessment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other educational professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to establish positive, supportive relationships with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn instructional technology and language-support tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sound professional judgment.
• Successful completion of required background checks and district employment requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or French Creole (Haitian Creole) is highly preferred.
• Experience working with multilingual learners, English language learners, or students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Previous experience in a school, educational, tutoring, or youth-support setting.
• Postsecondary coursework or training in education, English language development, linguistics, or a related field.
• Familiarity with strategies that support English language acquisition and comprehension of academic content.
• Experience supporting students at the middle school or junior high school level.

DESIRED PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A genuine commitment to supporting multilingual learners and helping students achieve academic success.
• Patience, empathy, and an understanding of the challenges students may experience while learning English.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for linguistic diversity.
• Initiative, dependability, flexibility, and a willingness to learn.
• The ability to follow teacher direction while working independently within assigned responsibilities.
• A positive attitude and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

The Multilingual Learner Paraprofessional works under the direction and supervision of licensed teachers and building administration. This position provides instructional assistance and reinforcement but does not replace the responsibilities of a licensed classroom teacher or multilingual education teacher.

The primary goal of this position is to remove language-related barriers to learning, increase access to grade-level academic content, and help multilingual learners develop the skills and confidence necessary for academic success.

Lafayette School Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.