Organization Overview

Excel Academy was founded in 2003 with the mission to provide a high-quality education to students in East Boston and Chelsea. Over the years, we have grown from one middle school to a network of four schools with 1,400 students in grades 5 to 12. At Excel Academy Charter Schools, we believe that when a student has the support and tools to pursue a productive post-secondary pathway aligned to their personal identity and values, it can fundamentally change their life trajectory.

We present our students with educational experiences that allow them to grow and discover their best selves so that when they leave our halls, they can successfully navigate all of the post-secondary options available to them. You can read more about the impact of the Excel Academy model here.

At Excel Academy we learn from our students, families, and staff and make improvements. We have increasingly adapted to provide a holistic education that values our community as collaborators in the learning process, social-emotional support, equity for diverse learners, and fosters identity development. We prioritize an approach that is both rigorous and inclusive. Our team of passionate, intelligent, driven, and loving staff are at the core of the work we do.

Growth Happens Here.

About the Role

The Orientation & Mobility Paraprofessional is responsible for ensuring that students are provided adequate support both behaviorally and academically and are positioned to find success in the school setting.

Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Responsibilities

• Work with students in small groups or 1:1 as directed and supervised by classroom teacher;
• Implement classroom instructional procedures and protocols;
• Confer and collaborate with teachers to ensure accommodations are met in inclusive settings; and

Mobility Responsibilities

• Assist children in activities of daily living;
• Assist in general orientation and mobility and exercises under the direction of appropriate staff (Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Orientation & Mobility Instructor), including full lifts and transfers into and out of wheelchairs;
• Participate with children positively on field trips and non-instructional activities, observing and guarding against accidents;
• Observe and assist in collecting data and completing reports regarding child’s behavior and development;
• Constantly monitor and support child’s well-being and safety;
• Offer assistance to others in the safe and orderly treatment of the child when the child is struggling;
• Follow appropriate school protocols when a child is exhibiting unsafe behaviors; and
• Follow plans efficiently and effectively for any safety concern or drill for safety readiness.

Behavior Management Responsibilities

• Provide input for behavioral intervention plans and implement plans to ensure student learning and classroom behavior goals are met;
• Provide for physical, emotional and socialization needs of children with teacher, therapist and educational team input.
• Serve as the point person for behavior management protocols in the classroom (i.e. redirects, consequences, resets, etc.); and
• Implement classroom behavioral procedures and protocols.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Serve as an IEP participant for students in program, including: Provide input at team meetings; Implement relevant aspects of students’ IEPs;
• Assist in collecting progress monitoring data in accordance with IEP goals and objectives; and
• Communicate regularly with stakeholders including subject area teachers, sub-separate classroom team members, and administrators to ensure all parties remain aware of student progress.

Team Member Responsibilities

• Enforce school-wide systems and procedures to effectively manage the classroom;
• Serve as a productive member of the Excel Community;
• Participate in generating and upholding Excel Staff norms;
• Provide coverage when needed;
• Meaningfully participate in Friday meetings, school PD and Family Conferences; and
• Meet regularly with your manager.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required; an Associate’s degree is strongly preferred;
• The ability to assist an adolescent male who uses a wheelchair with bathroom transfers;
• A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
• A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
• The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
• An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement;
• And can speak to their personal investment and commitment to antiracist education and diversity, equity, and inclusion in our school community and beyond.

• Have experience in a public or charter school setting
• Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently
• Can speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture