Paraeducator - Special Education - Harford Academy - 2026 - 2027 School Year

Harford County Public Schools•Bel Air, MD

2h•$27,242 - $45,749•Hybrid

About The Position

To assist school staff with instructional programs, activities, and personal needs of students. This role involves supporting students during instruction, implementing teacher lesson plans, assisting with data collection and assessments, and supporting the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP). The paraeducator will also monitor student behavior, assist with personal care needs, prepare instructional materials, and help with school-wide duties. Additionally, the role includes working with students via digital platforms and performing other assigned work-related duties, both in-person and virtually.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, and an associate of arts degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or 48 college credits with grade "C" or higher; or A passing score on a paraprofessional exam which include: ParaPro score of 455 or higher taken on or before August 31, 2026, ParaPathways (5757): Reading and Writing with a score of 332 or higher AND ParaPathways: Mathematics with a score of 334 or higher, Foundations of Classroom Support (517) with a score of 220 or higher, Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) with a score of 220 or higher.
Possess strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
Able to be trained in and perform proper restraint techniques.
Able to lift and transfer students weighing up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
Possess specific skills as dictated by the needs of the students, e.g., sign language, ability to lift heavy objects, address medical needs, etc.

Responsibilities

Provides support to students during instruction.
Implements teacher lesson plans with individuals or small groups of students.
Works under the direction of the teacher to provide instruction to individual or small groups of students.
Assists with data collection, testing, and student assessment.
Assists with the implementation of the Individual Education Programs (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) for students with special needs depending on placement.
Monitors student behavior and implements behavioral strategies and intervention plans.
Provides assistance with personal care needs of students including, but not limited to, lifting, transferring, feeding, toileting, and restraint as required.
Prepares instructional materials for students as directed.
Assists with school-wide duties including, but not limited to, field trips, school assemblies, class coverage, bus duty, and the computer lab.
Participates in professional development programs as assigned.
Works with students via digital platform(s) to provide support during instruction, assist with data collection, testing, and student assessment.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned, which is inclusive of in-person duties and virtual duties as applicable.