Paraprofessional Educator/Special Education - Group 2 (3284)

Natick Public Schools•Natick, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Natick Public Schools seek a Paraprofessional Educator/Special Education - Group 2 at Natick High School. Natick Public Schools educates approximately 5,300 students from Pre-K through age 22 and is an innovative, supportive, and high-performing district. The district is dedicated to all students achieving high standards in a safe, trusting, respectful environment where learning is exciting, dynamic, and engaging, and where connectedness and belonging are valued and actively cultivated. The district serves a diverse population, with families speaking almost 60 different languages. Natick Public Schools has a graduation rate of 97% and 90% of students attend post-secondary schools. The district welcomes educators who seek and thrive in a diverse environment that focuses on the whole child in a strengths-based approach, and partners in its mission to support diversity, promote equitable practices, and create meaningful connections for all.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Demonstrated aptitude for work to be performed
Candidates must be flexible and collaborative
Candidates must be able to multitask in a fast-paced, supportive environment that nurtures student growth
Candidates must be organized and able to meet ongoing, time-sensitive deadlines for work production
Formal application
Rating of education and experience
Oral interviews
Reference check
Strong record of work performance in current and previous roles
Successful completion of Criminal Records Check (C.O.R.I.), Sexual Offender Record Check (S.O.R.I.), and fingerprints.

Nice To Haves

Specialized Knowledge: Thorough understanding of and commitment to the principles and practices of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice as they relate to student, staff and community engagement and cultivation
Experience with Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Classroom, etc.) and PowerSchool preferred, but will train the right candidate.
Bilingual skills, especially in Spanish and Portuguese, are highly desirable.
Candidates should have a passion for working with students, families, and colleagues.
Alternative degrees/experience may be substituted for the above at the discretion of the Superintendent, if such a substitution brings a strong candidate forward.

Responsibilities

Work with students individually and in small groups in special education or general education settings, reviewing and reinforcing previously introduced lessons and implementing prescribed instruction.
Assist the teacher in responding to the special needs of individual students.
Accompany students for transitions as necessary, including lifting where appropriate.
Administer or assist in the administration of alternative testing, including classroom, district, and state assessments.
Correct the day-to-day work of students (but not responsible for grading or reporting to parents).
Carry out teacher-planned learning exercises, including instruction of core curriculum, academic support, and support of related therapies (speech and language, occupational and physical therapy, mobility training).
Perform classroom and other appropriate tasks designated by the supervising teacher/principal.
Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as expected of fully certified teachers.
Participate in staff development programs as assigned.
Participate as an active member of the Special Needs or Supportive Services Teams, as necessary.
Establish an effective work relationship with classroom teachers, specialists, and administration.
Participate in consultation with special education staff.
Assist PK through 22-year-old students in transfer activities, mobilization activities, and/or non-medical hygiene assistance (e.g., changing diapers or managing personal hygiene). Another adult will be present for all diaper changes/toileting whenever possible.
Provide service/specialized instruction in a specialized program or a 1:1 environment.
Engage in and maintain district-provided safety care training as identified by administration.
Implement safety plans such as evacuation drills with students in specialized programs or 1:1.
Implement individual behavior support plans as written.
Collect and record accurate data on student academics, behaviors, or other goal areas and progress.
Support students in developing communication, social, and academic skills.
Collaborate with teachers and staff to maintain consistent behavior supports.
Perform other such duties as assigned by the building principal, supervising teacher, Special Education Coordinator, or Director for Student Services.
Work with district and school leadership to combat systemic barriers that limit student, family, and staff members’ equitable access to opportunity.
Identify and address bias and its impact on rigor and opportunity for students and staff.
Update policies and equitable access procedures.
Perform any other relative duties as assigned.