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 including 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 encouraged to review the Collective Bargaining Agreement to understand the conditions of employment.

Springfield Public Schools serves approximately 24,000 students and is the third-largest district in Massachusetts. The district describes its work as committed to equity and excellence and offers professional development and career advancement opportunities, including educational pipeline programs. Classroom Para Educators receive a substantial benefits package, including competitive wages, paid sick leave, and professional development opportunities such as a Para to Teacher Pipeline program.

Requirements

• A passionate belief in SPS's mission, values, and educational model.
• High expectations for student behavior and achievement.
• Ability to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals and a strong drive to achieve them.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and 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.
• Humility in the face of success.
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
• High-school diploma or GED.
• Sixty college credit hours, an associate degree, or a passing score on either the ParaPro Assessment or the 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: Reading 5, Math 4, and Writing 3.

Responsibilities

• Support direct instruction to 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
• Paid sick leave
• Professional development opportunities, including a Para to Teacher Pipeline program
• Career advancement opportunities and educational pipeline programs

What This Job Offers

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