Paraprofessional - Friendship Public Charter School

Why Ideal?

Friendship Ideal’s early learning approach for students in grades pre-K3 to kindergarten is guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy that our children are extraordinarily capable and the world is their classroom. Through art, nature, literature, dramatic play, language, writing and music, our Reggio-inspired program nurtures students’ innate curiosity, intellect, creativity and self-confidence. Filled with joyous exploration and guided by personalized pathways, students make discoveries, learn to solve problems and collaborate, while developing the building blocks that lead to lifelong learning. Named after the area in Italy where the concept was developed, Reggio Emilia is a highly- acclaimed early-learning model where children are encouraged to explore our ever-changing world.

Led by a community of seasoned and supportive teachers, Ideal builds on its early learning program in the elementary (1-4) and middle grades (5-8) to develop knowledgeable, caring, resilient and ethical young scholars. Our rigorous academic curriculum builds strong foundations in mathematics, science, social studies, English and language arts along with exposure to foreign language study. Project-based learning that takes students out of the classroom to investigate real-world problems is a critical component of the academic day.

One of our newest elementary and middle school campuses, Friendship Ideal’s early learning classrooms are colored by all forms of patterns and expression that spark creativity and foster student inquiry. A big picture window leads our littlest learners to their outdoor classroom and garden, where they plant and play as they investigate and learn. In 2021, the Ideal campus expansion will include new classrooms, a performing arts theater, gymnasium, innovation lab and digital library.

By completing an application, you have applied to be considered for anticipated vacancies in the 2024-2025 school year. Please note that our formal interview process will begin January 2024 contingent on our confirmed vacancies. 

Friendship Public Charter School operates a thriving network of college preparatory public charter schools. Headquartered in Washington, DC., Friendship serves over 4,800 students in preschool to grade 12 and guides a growing network of alumni to college completion annually.  Our mission is to prepare students to become ethical, literate, well-rounded, and self-sufficient citizens by providing a world-class education that motivates students to reach high academic standards, to enjoy learning, to achieve success, and to contribute actively to their communities. For 25 years, with the support and guidance of our exceptional faculty, our students have risen to the challenge with high graduation rates, college acceptances, and unparalleled success academically and socially.

Friendship is looking for responsible, confident, respectful, caring, committed, persistent, and patient professionals to join our family for the 2024-2025 school year starting in August 2024. Friendship Public Charter Schools is committed to the idea that each and every child can make it to and through college. If you share that belief, please apply. 

For more information about our schools please visit the following Social Media pages:YouTube,Linkedin,Facebook,Instagram &Twitter!

Please see the available salary scales: FPCS Compensation

• Set and maintain high academic and behavioral expectations for all students
• Lead students to high levels of academic success in an urban school environment
• Create a welcoming, positive learning environment that motivates and engages students
• Provides in-person classroom assistance to teachers or assists a virtual teacher with conducting classroom activities;
• Pulls small groups for differentiated learning in remediation and/or acceleration
• Work in concert with their colleagues to collect informal and formal data of students to assist with grouping and individualized support plans
• Provides in-person classroom assistance to teachers or assisting a virtual teacher with conducting classroom activities
• Work one-on-one with students for intensive tutoring, credit recovery, and academic support; 
• Operates technology to include cameras, learning platforms, and learning tools;
• Helps maintain order and discipline and assists in managing the behavior of students;
• Provides supervision throughout the school day including in the classroom, halls, lunch, recess, and specials; 
• Performs administrative and non-instructional duties, such as keeping daily attendance; and ensures all CDC/safety protocols and procedures (e.g., fire drills) are implemented and followed.
• Maintain high ethical standards and open communication with students, teachers, parents and school administrators
• Consistently seek and share best practices with colleagues as an active and effective participant in a Professional Learning Community
• Develop formative assessments, analyze results and adjust teaching practices to ensure student understanding of material
• Utilize literacy strategies across all content areas and design rubrics to measure student mastery
• Design and deliver engaging instruction addressing the needs of a full range of student learning styles
• Maximize learning time by continually adjusting teaching practices
• Adhere to school management and discipline policies within classroom and school campus

• At least 60 hours of college credit from an accredited college/university or a successful completion of the ETS Para-Pro exam or a CDA completion (Required) 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Education, or another Liberal Arts Program (Preferred)
• Strong verbal, and written communication skills
• Familiarity with student incentive programs
• Experience working with student in a tutoring or substitute teaching capacity​
• Demonstrates knowledge of subjects assigned, educational and child/adolescent psychology, human relations, and class management

FPCS’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws.  This policy applies to recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Employment decisions at FPCS are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual’s capabilities, qualifications, training, experience and suitability.