Danbury Public Schools is a diverse community located in the western part of Connecticut and serving more than 12,500 students spread across the City of Danbury, Connecticut. We are committed to cultivating equity and excellence for all of our students, closing the opportunity gaps, and preparing students for post-secondary success. The mission of Danbury Public Schools, in partnership with families and the community, is to provide transformational learning experiences, designed to nurture thoughtful and prepared graduates. We have set very ambitious and rigorous goals to assure that our students graduate prepared to transform our world, and we are always searching for staff who are committed to our mission and the success of our students. Our schools range from 13 different and unique elementary schools including an interdistrict magnet school for International Studies, to three middle schools, including an intradistrict magnet school focused on STEM and World Studies, to our flagship Danbury Career Academies that are transforming how we deliver education to students with a wide range of interests taught by a faculty with real world and academic experiences. DPS recruits and commits to educators with passion, who are committed to our vision to aspire to advance ALL learners to their highest potential.
PURPOSE:
To serve as an integral member of the instructional team, providing services to individual students participating in the English Language Learners (ELL) program. These services may be provided through the ESL Program, Bilingual Program, or other programs designed to support families whose home language is not English.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Work with individual students or small groups under the supervision of a certified teacher to reinforce materials or skills initially introduced by the teacher.
2. Record student achievements and assessment data as directed by the teacher.
3. Assist the teacher in planning learning experiences based on students' language development levels.
4. Support students in a single classroom or rotate across multiple classrooms depending on program needs.
5. Assist with classroom technology, equipment use, and instructional materials.
6. Supervise and assist students during drills, assemblies, field trips, play periods, and other non-classroom activities.
7. Check notebooks, correct papers, supervise testing, and support make-up work as assigned.
8. Provide information and guidance to substitute teachers during the teacher’s absence.
9. Support large group instruction, reading sessions, and storytelling.
10. Demonstrate understanding and application of strategies for supporting ELL students.
11. Alert the teacher to any issues or concerns regarding individual students.
12. Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards as required of all school personnel.
13. Participate in required professional development and training programs.
14. Assist with maintaining compliance documentation as required by federal law for ELL students.
15. Guide independent, enrichment, and remedial work as assigned.
16. Distribute and collect instructional materials and resources.
17. Help maintain a well-organized and smoothly functioning classroom environment.
18. Approach student English proficiency development with patience, encouragement, and cultural sensitivity.
19. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Adminstrator of ESL and World Languages.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
20. Willingness and ability to work productively with children.
21. Ability to follow oral and written instructions effectively.
22. Demonstrates good judgment, patience, tact, and courtesy.
23. Physically able to meet the demands of the role, particularly when supporting younger students.
24. Proficient in English (reading, writing, speaking); Spanish or other language fluency preferred.
25. Knowledge of and adherence to ethical practices for student confidentiality.
Minimum Qualifications:
26. High school diploma required.
27. Must meet NCLB compliance requirements:Either possess an Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits Or have successfully passed the Parapro Assessment Examination.
28. Experience working with children preferred.
29. Must possess or be willing to acquire the necessary skills to support the needs of English language learners.
Required Language Skills: Bilingual (English/Spanish or Portuguese)
Working Conditions:
30. Part-time, 19 hours per week
31. $20.00 per hour
32. No benefits, as per Union Contract
Application Procedure: