SPED Para Educator

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

2d

About The Position

The Special Education Paraprofessional works with a small caseload of students who need additional support to succeed in the classroom. Working alongside an experienced special educator, this role supports students, their families, and teachers, with primary responsibility for implementing effective academic and behavioral intervention systems. The role focuses on students with moderate to severe needs and on helping them achieve academic and behavioral success.

Springfield Public Schools describes itself as a culturally diverse district serving approximately 24,000 students. It emphasizes equity, excellence, a supportive professional environment, and professional development and career advancement opportunities for staff, including educational pipeline programs.

Requirements

• Passionate belief in Springfield Public Schools' mission, values, and educational model.
• High expectations for student behavior and achievement.
• Ability to set ambitious, challenging, tangible goals and persistent 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 students' minds and lives in and out of the classroom.
• High-school diploma or GED.
• At least 60 college credit hours, an associate degree, or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment or WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• Passing WorkKeys scores in Reading (5), Math (4), and Writing (3).

Responsibilities

• Work alongside an experienced special educator to support a small caseload of students with moderate to severe needs and drive their academic achievement.
• Implement effective and rigorous academic and behavioral intervention systems for a small caseload of students.
• Provide consistent, high academic and behavioral expectations.
• Support students in mastering state, city, and school academic and behavioral standards.
• Lead daily individual and small-group tutoring sessions.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.

Benefits

• Competitive wages and salaries.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Earning incentive days.
• Professional development opportunities, including a robust Para to Teacher Pipeline program.
• Mentors and coaching support for teaching staff.
• Career advancement opportunities and educational pipeline programs that can help staff earn a college degree or pursue certification pathways.

What This Job Offers

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