Lead Paraprofessional - Northeast Elementary

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics athletics the arts and various activities. Situated in central Iowa just 6 miles from Des Moines Ankeny CSD caters to over 12800 students from preschool through 12th grade making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

JDE: 5.56

Lead Paraprofessional

Position Summary

A Lead Paraprofessional is an experienced and thoughtful paraprofessional leader who is invested in the overall wellbeing and professional growth and development of new paraprofessionals. As a leader the Lead Para shares their knowledge and expertise and acts as a guide and role model in acclimating new paraprofessionals to their building and to the district. In addition this individual will assist with general support for the paraprofessional team at their respective building particularly with communication and collaboration with the building level administration.

Job Title: Lead Paraprofessional

Hourly Wage: $18.75/hr.

Reports To: Building Principal

Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt

Benefit Summary: D

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Successful experience working as an paraprofessional
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate well with others
• Valid Iowa Paraeducator Certificate preferred

Essential Functions

OnBoarding Training and Mentoring

• Work collaboratively with building level administration to build and support a building-level onboarding and mentoring experience for all new hires.
• Routinely check in with new paraprofessional hires and support their acclimation to the building.
• Prioritize building and maintaining relationships with the paraprofessional team.
• Invest in routine communication with the paraprofessional team.
• Provide job shadowing and other needed training and support to all new hires as collaboratively decided with the building administration team.
• Provide building level training with new hires as collaboratively determined with the building administration team.
• Be a positive role model amongst the paraprofessional team and throughout the building.
• Regularly and routinely meet with building level administration to discuss paraprofessional needs problem solve and collaborate on the building-level onboarding process.

Instructional Support

• Help teacher(s) prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help with inventory care and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher(s) keep records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist with academic social emotional and health needs of students.

Student Management

• Help supervise students throughout the school day inside and outside the classroom. This may include lunchroom bus playground duty and/or other supervisions.
• Keep teacher(s) informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Leadership

• Participate in staff development training programs faculty meetings and special events as assigned.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
• Demonstrates integrity and maintains confidentiality.
• Is respectful and appropriately interacts with staff students and visitors.

Other Functions

• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the Ankeny Community School District safety program.
• Supports the goals and objectives of the school district and follows all district policies.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the appropriate supervisor.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.
• Work well with others maintain a positive and effective communication with the building team
• Is respectful and appropriately interacts with staff students and visitors

Working Environment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: lifting carrying pushing pulling climbing reaching driving standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity. Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress.

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District; Salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances

Background Clearance

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually as per district policies and procedures

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Approved by: Justin Mohr Date: April 8th 2025

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority