Exceptional Learning Para Educator

Springfield Public Schools•Springfield, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the SPS Office of Exceptional Learning and be part of an innovative journey. We are looking for dedicated professionals who are attentive, supportive, and committed to helping individuals with autism reach their full potential. This is a unique opportunity to participate in the inaugural Western Massachusetts Public Day for Autism—where you can innovate, develop your skills, and make a significant impact. Join us to inspire, support, and shape the future of autism education. The Special Education Paraeducator plays a vital role in implementing engaging and effective academic and behavioral intervention programs for a dedicated group of students. Working closely with students who require extra support, they help create a positive, encouraging classroom environment. This individual collaborates with students, families, and teachers to unlock every student's potential and foster lasting success.

Requirements

A passionate belief in SPS's mission, values, and educational model
An interest in working with students with Autism
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
Proventrack 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

Responsibilities

Collaborate with an experienced special educator to support a small caseload of students, promoting the academic success of those with moderate to severe needs.
Implement a targeted, comprehensive academic and behavior intervention system that serves a manageable group of students.
Support implementation of evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Verbal Behavior approaches, structured teaching, social skills instruction, facilitated play, visual supports, and assistive technology.
Utilize positive behavioral interventions and supports, structured routines, visual schedules, transition supports.
Monitor student progress through ongoing data collection.
Lead daily individual and small group tutoring sessions.
Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
Work side by side with a robust team of related service providers in the classroom to promote generalization of skills and continuity of instruction.