Library & Media Instructional Paraeducator

DISTRICT OVERVIEW

Holyoke Public Schools is a PreK-12 public school district serving nearly 5100 students of whom 80 percent are Latino/Latina in 11 schools. We employ nearly 1300 people who together educate and support a richly diverse community of learners. We are committed to recruiting and retaining top-quality educators who believe all children can and will learn and who strive daily to make school a joyful place of discovery support and belonging.

Holyoke Public Schools strategic plan Moving Forward Together builds on the strengths of our past while serving as a call to action to accelerate student learning by thinking differently about how we teach how we work together and how we support students well being.

Our Equity Commitments are pledges we are making to address systemic equity challenges.

• We intentionally build a community that is anti-racist inclusive and culturally responsive.
• We ensure that students families and staff get the support they need to be successful.
• We seek out and incorporate the voices of those impacted with a commitment to include those who have been excluded in the past.
• We promote access and inclusion for all students staff and families.
• We respect embrace and honor the diversity of our students families staff and community.
• We reflect on our own behavior to minimize harm to others.
• We create a culture of acceptance and empathy so that everyone feels valued and is able to contribute to our communitys success.

Please visit the Holyoke Public Schools website to learn more about us as well as some of our recent accomplishments.

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Spanish:

Las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke son un distrito escolar público de prekínder a 12. grado que acoge a casi 5100 estudiantes de los cuales el 80 por ciento son latinos/latinas. Empleamos a casi 1300 personas que juntas educan y apoyan a una comunidad de estudiantes muy diversa. Estamos comprometidos a contratar y retener educadores de alta calidad que tengan la certeza de que todos los niños pueden y podrán aprender y que también se esfuercen diariamente por hacer de la escuela un lugar alegre de descubrimiento apoyo y pertenencia.

El plan estratégico de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke Avanzando Juntos toma en cuenta nuestras fortalezas anteriores y al mismo tiempo sirve como un llamado a la acción para acelerar el aprendizaje de los estudiantes a través de una perspectiva diferente sobre cómo enseñamos cómo trabajamos juntos y cómo apoyamos el bienestar de los estudiantes.

Nuestros compromisos de equidad son promesas que hacemos para abordar los desafíos de equidad sistémica.

• Construimos intencionadamente una comunidad antirracista inclusiva y culturalmente receptiva.
• Nos aseguramos de que los estudiantes las familias y el personal reciban el apoyo que necesitan para tener éxito.
• Buscamos e incorporamos las voces de los afectados con el compromiso de incluir a los que han sido excluidos en el pasado.
• Promovemos el acceso y la inclusión de todos los estudiantes el personal y las familias.
• Respetamos acogemos y honramos la diversidad de nuestros alumnos familias personal y comunidad.
• Reflexionamos sobre nuestro propio comportamiento para minimizar el daño a los demás.
• Creamos una cultura de aceptación y empatía para que todos se sientan valorados y puedan contribuir al éxito de nuestra comunidad.

Por favor visite el sitio web de las Escuelas Públicas de Holyoke en para obtener más información sobre nosotros y algunos de nuestros logros recientes.

Position Overview:
The Library & Media Instructional Paraeducator plays a pivotal role in supporting the educational mission of Holyoke Public Schools by assisting in the delivery of library and media services. This role involves collaborating with certified staff to enhance students learning experiences through library resources and media technology fostering information literacy and promoting a love for reading among students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the daily operations of the school library/media center including organizing materials managing inventory and maintaining a welcoming environment.

• Support students in locating and utilizing library resources effectively guiding them in research and information retrieval.

• Collaborate with teachers to integrate library and media resources into classroom instruction reinforcing learning objectives.

• Facilitate the use of technology within the library/media center aiding students and staff with equipment and digital resources.

• Implement and monitor student behavior management strategies as directed by certified staff maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment.

• Supervise students during library visits ensuring appropriate use of materials and adherence to library policies.

• Assist in the planning and execution of library programs and events that promote literacy and lifelong learning.

• Perform clerical tasks such as cataloging new materials processing loans and returns and maintaining accurate records.

Qualifications:

• Associates degree or higher; OR

• Completion of at least two years (48 credit hours) of study at an institution of higher education; OR

• Successful completion of a formal assessment measuring knowledge and ability to assist in instruction (e.g. Paraprofessional Assessment or WorkKeys).

Experience:

• Prior experience working with children in an educational setting is preferred.

• Familiarity with library operations and media technology is advantageous.

• Experience in an urban school environment is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Proficiency in using library systems and educational technology.

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and engage effectively with students.

• Organizational skills and attention to detail.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a school library/media center environment.

• May require lifting and moving library materials and equipment.

• Interaction with students requires patience and the ability to manage classroom behavior effectively.