IDEA Public Schools·Lakeland, Florida
Assist in the educational and social development of English Language Learners under the guidance of teachers and facilitators. Provide translation services and support students with emotional or behavioral concerns to ensure full participation in school activities.
The English Language Learner (ELL) paraprofessional position is ideal for a bilingual candidate looking to gain valuable experience in Exceptional Student Education teaching, particularly when it comes to accommodations for our scholars who are still in the process of learning the English language and are currently operating at a limited English proficiency level. This position is also ideal for a candidate who has at least 30 college hours, wants challenging work, and is seeking the opportunity to advance in his or her education career.
Compensation: Compensation for this role is set at an hourly rate ranging between $15.00 for 0 years of experience and $18.00 Hourly co-teachers earnings are paid out over a 12-month period Other Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children. Some of the special benefits we offer at IDEA include: Paid Family Leave: Eligible staff may receive up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, based on their tenure with the organization and caregiver designation. Tuition Reimbursement: Staff members may apply for up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year subject to manager discretion and budget availability. Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services available at no cost. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and an employer paid 403(b) retirement matching of up to 4% of your annual compensation. IDEA may offer a relocation allowance to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable. What You Bring -- Competencies
Education: High School Diploma Required OR High School Equivalency Diploma issued pursuant to State Board of Education rules required; an Associate degree OR at least 30 hours of college credits preferred Experience: Experience working with children with cognitive and/or pervasive developmental disabilities strongly preferred Bilingual candidates or candidates with experience working in dual language setting preferred Licenses or Certifications: Willingness to pursue, or currently enrolled in program for a Special Education Paraprofessional Certification preferred but not required Knowledge and Skills: Capable of physically assisting students with special needs as required (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining) Ability to use dual languages, or language learning strategies to instruct students and manage student behavior Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment What You’ll Do -- Accountabilities
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 individualized communication assistance including interpretive/translation services (ESOL/ELL) and communication board Provide support for individual students inside and outside of the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities Work with other professionals, such as speech therapist, social worker, occupational and physical therapists Provide assistance in interpreting school program needs and pertinent information to parent in the targeted home language Assist classroom teachers with maintaining student records Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills Assistance with daily school activities, like note-taking, lesson internalization, reading comprehension and grade tracking, may be required. At some campuses, monitoring of student testing situations may be needed We look for Team and Family who embody the following values and characteristics: Believes and is committed to our mission and being an agent of change: that all students are capable of getting to and through college Has demonstrated effective outcomes and results, and wants to be held accountable for them Has a propensity for action, willing to make mistakes by doing in order to learn and improve quickly Works with urgency and purpose to drive student outcomes Thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment; is comfortable with ambiguity and change Seeks and responds well to feedback, which is shared often and freely across all levels of the organization Works through silos and forges strong cross-departmental relationships in order to achieve outcomes We believe in education as a profession and hold ourselves to high level of conduct, professionalism and behaviors as models for our colleagues and students About IDEA Public Schools At IDEA Public Schools, we believe each and every child can go to college. Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to a multi-state network of tuition-free, Pre-K-12 public charter schools. IDEA Public Schools boasts national rankings on The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report’s top high schools lists. IDEA serves over 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools across Texas, Florida, Ohio, and is on-track to maintain its legacy of sending 100% of its graduates to college. When you choose to work at IDEA, you are part of our IDEA Team and Family. You will work alongside team members who set and reach ambitious goals every day, are excited to continue to grow with IDEA, and work relentlessly to make college for all a reality. Staff Experience At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here! To Apply Please submit your application online through Jobvite. It’s in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. IDEA Public Schools in Florida intends to promote and establish a Drug-Free Workplace Program to maximize safety and productivity in the workplace, enhance our competitive position in the marketplace, without experiencing the costs, delays, and tragedies associated with accidents that result from drug or alcohol abuse by employees. A Drug-Free Workplace means that of our employees must remain Drug-Free both on and off the job, and free from alcohol on the job. In holding to this policy, all staff members will undergo drug testing prior to starting in their new role with us. To read our full policy, please click the following link: Background Screening Requirement Employment in this role is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. For additional information, please visit the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website:
Requires a high school diploma or equivalency, with an associate degree or 30 college credits preferred. Bilingual candidates with experience working with children with cognitive or developmental disabilities are strongly preferred.
Market context
In Florida, teaching assistant roles are often driven by ongoing classroom support needs and school staffing patterns, especially in busy elementary and special education settings. These positions can be competitive because schools look for dependable, energetic candidates who meet state or accreditation requirements, have relevant education or experience, and clear background screening. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credentials and screening status before applying.