Job Description:
  
The Opportunity: PLA Special Education Paraprofessionals are passionate and devoted assistants bringing creativity and rigor to our classrooms to support an improved learning experience for our scholars. Our Special Education Paraprofessionals are compassionate and committed to building a caring environment that nurtures the success of our school community. As a Special Education Paraprofessional at Phalen Leadership Academies, you will work under the supervision of the building principal, with direct supervision provided by special education teachers. Day-to-day duties will vary depending on the age of students served as well as the nature and severity of the students’ disabilities.
The Details
Key Deliverables:

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the facilitator and classroom teachers
• Assist in the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students and monitor their progress
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom
• Work with other professionals, such as speech therapists, social workers, occupational and physical therapists
• Assist building level SPED Department with maintaining student records
• Support students with behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills
• Assist in the preparation and display of student work
• Assist SPED teacher with preparing materials for students

Experience and Education Requirements:

• A passion for working with students and families in under-served communities
• High school diploma or its equivalent; some college experience, preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, and families

The Network: PLA is a transformative education nonprofit changing communities across the country by providing a depth of resources not found in the traditional education model.  In addition to serving as one of the country’s best turnaround school operators and successfully launching charter school start-ups, PLA also provides our school communities with a successful, research-based summer learning program (Summer Advantage), a successful Reading and Math Intervention program (Reading and Math Advantage), and a workforce development program (Skilled US) that provides expanded opportunities for our high school graduates, along with the family members of our current staff and students. This menu of programs and services is unique to our network, sets us apart from other organizations, and provides expanded opportunities for our staff through career advancement opportunities and expanded income opportunities. 

The Campus:
Hogan Preparatory Academy, managed by PLA, is located in the heart of Kansas City.  Founded in 1942, our school was originally called Bishop Hogan, named after John Joseph Hogan, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City, Missouri.  Bishop Hogan operated as a private Catholic school until 1999 when we became a public charter school.  We currently serve 1k scholars, 

Compensation and Benefits:
PLA Special Education Paraprofessionals receive a salary that is competitively aligned with the market. In addition to salary, PLA Special Education Paraprofessionals receive:

• Competitive Compensation
• Benefits – Healthcare, vision, and dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and being a part of professional communities within the school
• Incentive and bonus opportunities

PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.