Commerce Life SKILLS PARA EDUCATOR

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MA

3d•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 the Springfield Public Schools. Classroom Para Educators will work with school staff to create an educational environment that meets the needs of all students by providing instructional assistance, classroom support, and implementing effective classroom strategies. Classroom Para Educators in the Springfield Public Schools have a substantial benefit package including competitive wages, paid sick leave, and Professional Development opportunities including a robust Para to Teacher Pipeline program. About our District Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3 rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence. Join a team that Empowers Educators In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

Requirements

A passionate belief in SPS's mission, values, and educational model
An extraordinarily high bar for student behavior and expectations
An eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals, and a relentless drive to achieve them
An ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and a capacity to remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges
Proven track-record of high achievement
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong public speaking skills
A sense of humility in the face of success
Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
A high-school diploma or GED
Sixty (60) Credit Hours of College Coursework or an Associate’s Degree, or a passing score on one of the two following Formalized Standardized Assessments: ParaPro Assessment or WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants
Current authorization to work in the United States – A candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
A passing score on the Work Keys Exams in the following areas: Reading: 5 Math: 4 Writing: 3

Nice To Haves

Examples of support services and educational settings served by paraprofessionals may include: life skills, developmental classrooms, social, emotional, & behavioral support (SEBS), LINKS (Autism) program, visual or mobility orientation, language learning delays and medical care.

Responsibilities

Supports direct instruction to children individually, in small groups, and in classroom settings
Provides assistance with classroom activities.
Prepares instructional materials.
Manages individual and classroom behavior
Supervises students on field trip activities.
Performs other support services and related duties as requested by Building Principal.
Additional duties may need to be performed as part of the job requirement in favor of student success.