Position Purpose

The MLL Instructional Paraprofessional supports multilingual learners within their general education classrooms. Working under the direction of classroom teachers and MLL teachers, this position helps students access grade-level instruction, participate fully in classroom learning, and develop academic English while maintaining high expectations for every student.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support to multilingual learners during core classroom instruction, small groups, independent practice, and classroom activities.
• Help students understand directions, routines, vocabulary, and grade-level content using visuals, modeling, examples, gestures, and other language supports.
• Reinforce lessons and skills introduced by the classroom or MLL teacher.
• Support students in speaking, listening, reading, and writing throughout the school day.
• Ask questions and provide prompts that build student thinking and independence.
• Prepare or adapt instructional materials as directed by the teacher.
• Support student participation, belonging, and positive peer interactions.
• Help students learn classroom expectations, school routines, and appropriate learning behaviors.
• Collect basic progress-monitoring or observational information as requested.
• Communicate student strengths, needs, and concerns to the classroom and MLL teachers.
• Collaborate with teachers, interventionists, special education staff, counselors, and administrators.
• Maintain student confidentiality and follow all district policies and procedures.
• Participate in training, meetings, and professional learning as assigned.
• Assist with arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, or other student supervision duties as needed.
• Perform other duties related to student support as assigned.

Instructional Approach

The MLL Instructional Paraprofessional should:

• Support students primarily within the general education classroom.
• Preserve access to grade-level learning rather than replacing instruction with easier work.
• Provide the least amount of assistance necessary for a student to be successful.
• Encourage productive struggle and avoid completing work for students.
• Use students’ home languages and cultural backgrounds as strengths.
• Gradually reduce support as students become more confident and independent.
• Follow the instructional plan and direction of the certified teacher.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Meet all state and district paraprofessional requirements:

• Education Requirements:  There are four pathways available for candidates interested in becoming a Paraprofessional.

  1) Complete 60 hours of college credit

  2) Have an Associate's Degree or higher

  3) Educational Testing Service (ETS) ParaPathways assessment

  4) Complete 20 hours of online training through DESE - Register for an online training course here. There is a $99 registration fee.  The online training title does not reference paraprofessionals, and is called Substitute Teacher Training.  Substitute Teacher Training has been designated as an allowable qualification for paraprofessionals in the state of Missouri. 

• Experience working with children preferred.
• Experience supporting multilingual learners or individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual ability is valued but not required.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively with students, staff, and families.
• Willingness to learn effective strategies for supporting language development and grade-level instruction.
• Dependable, patient, flexible, and committed to student success.

Physical and Professional Expectations

• Ability to move throughout classrooms and the school building.
• Ability to work with individual students and small groups in active classroom settings.
• Ability to supervise students safely and respond appropriately to student needs.
• Consistent attendance, professional conduct, and protection of confidential information are required.

Success in This Position

Success means multilingual learners are increasingly able to:

• Access and understand grade-level instruction.
• Participate confidently in classroom discussions and activities.
• Develop academic language across content areas.
• Complete learning tasks with increasing independence.
• Feel known, valued, and fully included in the classroom community.