Paraprofessional Educator/Special Education - Group 2 (3289)

Natick Public Schools•Natick, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Natick Public Schools seek a Paraprofessional Educator/Special Education - Group 2. Natick Public Schools educate approximately 5,300 students from Pre-K through age 22. They are an innovative, supportive, and high-performing district whose outstanding staff provides high quality services for diverse students and their families. 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 families that speak almost 60 different languages, with a student population that is approximately 29% Students of Color and 71% White students. With a graduation rate of 97% and 90% of students attending post-secondary schools, the district is committed to excellence in educating students to be informed and successful citizens of a global world. They welcome educators who seek and thrive in a diverse environment that focuses on the whole child in a strengths-based approach. The district's mission is to support the diversity of its school community, promote and deliver equitable practices for all staff, students, and families, and create meaningful connections that enable everyone to feel included and thrive.

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 required
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.
Work in special education or general education settings, including but not limited to 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.
May correct the day-to-day work of students but shall not be responsible for grading or reporting to parents.
Assist the supervising teacher in addressing student needs.
Carry out teacher-planned learning exercises, including instruction of core curriculum, academic support, and support of related therapies, including speech and language activities, occupational and physical therapy activities, and mobility training activities.
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 is 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 and mobilization activities and/or nonmedical hygiene assistance (for example; changing diapers or managing personal hygiene).
Provide service/specialized instruction in a specialized program or a 1:1 environment.
Engage in and maintain district provided safety care training.
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.