SPED Para Educator
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, the paraprofessional helps oversee and implement rigorous academic and behavioral interventions for students with moderate to severe needs. The role includes supporting students, their families, and teachers to improve student outcomes. Springfield Public Schools describes itself as a district of approximately 24,000 students and the third-largest district in Massachusetts. The district emphasizes equity, excellence, a positive and professional environment, and professional development informed by student data. It also offers career advancement and educational pipeline programs intended to help staff pursue college degrees or certification pathways.
Requirements
- A passionate belief in Springfield Public Schools' mission, values, and educational model.
- An extraordinarily high bar for student behavior and expectations.
- Eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, tangible goals and a strong drive to achieve them.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges.
- A 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 the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
- A high-school diploma or GED.
- At least 60 credit hours of college coursework, 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 and drive the academic achievement of students with moderate to severe needs.
- Implement an effective, rigorous academic and behavioral intervention system with a small caseload of students.
- Maintain 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.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Para to Teacher Pipeline program.
- Mentoring and support from instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches.
- Career advancement opportunities and educational pipeline programs that help staff pursue a college degree or certification pathway.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
