Classroom Para Educator

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Classroom Para Educators assist teachers in providing an innovative, high-quality education program designed to meet the needs of all children in Springfield Public Schools. They work with school staff to create an educational environment that meets students’ needs through instructional assistance, classroom support, and effective classroom strategies. Paraprofessionals may serve in settings such as life skills, developmental classrooms, social, emotional, and behavioral support (SEBS), the LINKS (Autism) program, visual or mobility orientation, language learning delays, and medical care. Additional duties may be required in support of student success. Candidates are asked to review the Collective Bargaining Agreement to understand the conditions of employment.

Springfield Public Schools describes itself as a diverse district serving approximately 24,000 students, with more than 44 languages spoken and more than 60 countries represented among students and staff. The district emphasizes equity and excellence, a positive and professional environment, professional development, career advancement, and educational pipeline programs.

Requirements

• A passionate belief in Springfield Public Schools’ mission, values, and educational model.
• High expectations for student behavior and achievement.
• Eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, tangible goals and drive to achieve them.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and remain calm and focused when facing unexpected challenges.
• A proven track record of high achievement.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong public speaking skills.
• Humility in the face of success.
• Drive to improve students’ minds and lives in and out of the classroom.
• High-school diploma or GED.
• Sixty credit hours of college coursework, an associate degree, or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment or WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• Passing WorkKeys exam scores in Reading (5), Math (4), and Writing (3).

Responsibilities

• Support direct instruction for children individually, in small groups, and in classroom settings.
• Assist with classroom activities.
• Prepare instructional materials.
• Manage individual and classroom behavior.
• Supervise students during field trip activities.
• Perform other support services and related duties as requested by the Building Principal.
• Provide support in educational settings that may include life skills, developmental classrooms, SEBS, the LINKS (Autism) program, visual or mobility orientation, language learning delays, and medical care.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support student success.

Benefits

• Competitive wages and salaries.
• Paid sick leave.
• Professional development opportunities, including a robust Para to Teacher Pipeline program.
• Career advancement opportunities and educational pipeline programs that can help staff earn a college degree or pursue certification pathways.
• Mentoring and support for teaching staff from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED