SPED Para Educator

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

1d

About The Position

The Special Education Paraprofessional oversees the implementation of effective, rigorous academic and behavior intervention systems for a small caseload of students. Working alongside an experienced special educator, the paraprofessional provides additional support to students with moderate to severe needs so they can succeed in the classroom. The role also involves supporting students’ families and teachers to improve student outcomes.

Springfield Public Schools offers paraprofessionals competitive wages, paid sick leave, and professional development opportunities, including a Para to Teacher Pipeline program. The district also offers career advancement and educational pipeline programs to help staff pursue college degrees or certification pathways.

Requirements

• A passionate belief in Springfield Public Schools’ mission, values, and educational model.
• Set a high bar for student behavior and expectations.
• Eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals, with a strong 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 the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Sixty credit hours of college coursework, an associate degree, or a passing score on either the ParaPro Assessment or the WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• Passing WorkKeys exam scores in Reading (5), Math (4), and Writing (3).

Responsibilities

• Work alongside an experienced special educator to support a small caseload of students and drive the academic achievement of students with moderate to severe needs.
• Implement rigorous academic and behavior intervention systems for a small caseload of students.
• Provide consistent, high academic and behavioral expectations.
• Support student mastery of 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
• Paid sick leave
• Professional development opportunities, including a robust Para to Teacher Pipeline program
• Career advancement and educational pipeline programs that can help staff achieve a college degree or pursue certification pathways

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree