Position Title

Para, Teacher Apprentice

Custom Job Purpose

This position exists to provide on the job training as a pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree in education. The Paraeducator, Teacher Apprentice provides direct instruction alongside a mentor teacher. All college coursework is completed through competency-based assessments and online and face-to-face learning while performing essential responsibilities. Note: Duration of this position is two (2) years to complete the Teacher Apprenticeship program, not to exceed three (3) years.

Essential Functions of this Job

The School-based Coach is responsible for teacher-to-teacher coaching, modeling, mentoring and collaborating to promote a better articulated instructional curriculum for students. This position will also be responsible for coaching teachers about: data collection, analysis, interpretation and usage; research-based instructional strategies and programs; school improvement, and for building a shared knowledge base for teaching and learning throughout schools.

Roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist school-based administrators and teachers in analyzing school, class, and individual student data to determine needs in the content area.
• Conduct focus walks with state, district and/or school-based personnel to collect and analyze data to plan for instruction and professional development.
• Assist content area teachers in planning instruction and assessments based on the national and state standards and benchmarks, using pacing charts and instructional strategies and materials effectively, and using data from formative assessments and district assessments to improve instruction.
• Support teachers in planning instruction to meet the needs of all students through differentiated instruction.
• Provide classroom support by observing, modeling, co-teaching and providing specific feedback.
• Help teachers understand state and district mandates and how these mandates support student achievement.
• Provide support for school-based professional development to build the school's training capacity.
• Develop and deliver school-based professional development in content area and instructional strategies for the assigned grades or content area based on targeted school needs and identified teacher needs.
• Provide follow-up support at the school level for district professional development in assigned content area.
• Support school leadership teams in the development and facilitation of professional learning communities for the purpose of professional study and collaborative work such as lesson study and examining student work.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to deepen content knowledge and knowledge of professional learning communities, adult learning theory, and best practices in the appropriate content area, and to develop coaching and technology skills.
• Participate in district, regional, and/or state meetings to facilitate the implementation of standards-based instruction.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support the implementation of standards-based instruction and professional development in content area, such as: identify literature and resources for professional development; keep extensive and routine activity logs and submit monthly; assist with development of district learning schedules and assessments as needed.

Essential Functions of this Job (cont.)

Non-Essential Functions of this Job

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 and two (2) years’ experience in a classroom support role. Must be accepted into the Polk County Public School Teacher Apprenticeship program, a partnership with Polk State College.

Must hold a temporary teacher apprenticeship certificate from the Florida Department of Education.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work cooperatively with parents, school districts and agencies in providing services to students. Ability to develop concepts and ideas and relate both in oral and written form. Knowledge of child development. Ability to administer testing instruments as required. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with students, teams and groups. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the position. Bilingual/biliterate preferred.

Work Context

Requires sitting, standing, walking and moving about to coordinate work. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines. Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with individuals and/or teams. Requires work with students, internal and external contacts, and with the public.

Physical Environment

Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. May require working outdoors as well, with exposure to outdoor elements including weather changes, foliage, insects, etc. Requires sitting, standing and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects frequently weighing up to 20 pounds and infrequently weighing more than 20 pounds.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

3 - Para Union - F2 - OSP EQ

Salary Grade

School-Based Administrator - Principal

Pay Grade

N/A

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Local Code

10643

EEO5

48

Approval Date

8/12/2025

Date Last Revised