Paraeducator, Special Education - Catonsville Middle School (1.0 FTE/10 month)

BCPS•Catonsville, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a teacher, the Paraeducator assists students by performing tasks that promote learning and well-being. The work includes supporting students individually and in groups with life skills, reinforcing instruction, supporting classroom management, and assisting students on and off buses. The role also involves helping students with disabilities with personal care and mobility, supporting teachers with instruction and behavior monitoring, collecting assessment information, and completing clerical tasks. The position is at Catonsville Middle School and is listed as 1.0 FTE/10 month.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must meet one of the following qualifications: 48 college credits; a ParaPro Assessment passing score of 455 or higher before 9/1/2026; ParaPathways minimum passing scores of Reading/Writing 332 and Mathematics 334; or Foundations of Classroom Support minimum passing score of 220.
Knowledge of working with individuals with developmental, emotional, physical, and/or learning disabilities.
Knowledge of the educational system.
Effective communication skills and ability to establish rapport with students, their families, employers, and staff.
Training skills.
Ability to provide classroom and instructional support to students with special needs, supervise students, and manage behavior.
Ability to operate a computer, learn software programs, and maintain confidential information.
Ability to lift heavy objects and frequently bend and climb.
May be required to assist with toileting.
May be required to work afternoons, evenings, and weekends based on student schedules.
Must complete fingerprinting and a criminal background investigation; the stated fingerprinting fee is $109.
Must provide identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States if offered employment.
Official transcripts for all higher education must be received before signing the contract.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with developmental, emotional, learning, and/or physical disabilities is preferred.
One year of experience working with students in structured situations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional lessons, materials, and strategies to meet students’ individual and collective needs.
Assist students individually or in groups with instructional activities, skills reinforcement, recreational play, field trips, and special programs.
Help maintain an attractive, neat, and safe classroom.
Assist or train students up to 21 years of age in self-care and personal grooming, including dressing, teeth brushing, toileting, and diapering.
Adjust braces, walkers, and wheelchairs when applicable.
Push, lift, and transfer non-ambulatory students, and assist students on and off buses.
Assist students with feeding when required.
Help monitor student behavior in the classroom and school area.
Observe students and gather assessment data; discuss observations and student progress with instructional staff.
Perform clerical tasks such as correcting papers and tests, keeping daily attendance logs, maintaining student folders and records, and operating a computer and basic office equipment as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical plan options
Dental plan options
Vision coverage
Life insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Disability coverage
403(b)/457 plans
Sick days
Paid holidays
Personal business days
Bereavement days
Flexible leave options, including FMLA, sick bank, and board-approved leaves
Eligible for membership in the Maryland State Retirement System
May be eligible for extra duty activity pay, as approved by the Supervisor/Principal