About The Position
Salem Public Schools is seeking a highly motivated aspiring elementary teacher for a paid, DESE-funded Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) at Sarah Parker Remond School. The two-year program combines full-time work as an Instructional Paraprofessional with hands-on classroom training, intensive mentorship from a licensed elementary teacher (the journeyworker), and related coursework through Salem State University. Apprentices log at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training during the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years. Salem State coursework is provided at no charge and supports completion of a bachelor’s degree, if needed, and initial licensure in elementary education. The time required to reach licensure depends on each apprentice’s educational attainment. In the paraprofessional role, the employee assists teachers and other certified staff in delivering instruction and support to students, including students with disabilities. The role involves academic support, classroom management and supervision, behavior interventions, implementing accommodations, and helping students access learning and participate in school and community activities. Some personal care, lifting, restraint, bending, and use of technology may be required. The employee is expected to contribute to a positive school culture and work collaboratively with school staff and families. This is a full-time, school-year position following the district calendar and school hours. Teachers work a 185-day school year, comprising 180 student contact days and five professional development days. Compensation is set by the paraprofessional union contract at the Tier 3 salary schedule. The City of Salem offers Group Insurance Commission benefits to full-time employees.
Requirements
- Aspire to become a teacher in Salem Public Schools.
- For the apprenticeship, have completed at least two years or 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, or already hold a bachelor’s degree and seek elementary teacher licensure.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Have 48 college credit hours, an associate degree, or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment or WorkKeys assessment.
- At least one year of experience working with elementary-aged children.
- Be Safety-Care trained or willing to complete district-provided training.
- Have current authorization to work in the United States.
- Be physically capable of and willing to engage in restraint, bending, and lifting as needed to meet student needs.
- Demonstrate dependability, organization, flexibility, willingness to learn, collaboration, and a commitment to students and families.
- Value diversity, hold high expectations, build caring relationships, and embrace feedback and continuous improvement.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in a second language, particularly Spanish and/or Portuguese.
- Bilingual candidates and candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Experience working in urban schools and settings.
Responsibilities
- Work full-time as an Instructional Paraprofessional in an elementary classroom while completing the apprenticeship.
- Complete at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training over two school years, with mentorship from a licensed elementary teacher.
- Enroll in Salem State University coursework to complete a bachelor’s degree if needed and pursue initial elementary education licensure.
- Understand assigned students’ profiles and learning needs, review their IEPs, and participate in related professional development.
- Collaborate with general education and special education teachers and other school staff.
- Review, reinforce, and support lessons with individual students or small groups, including curriculum-related activities and academic work.
- Prepare and inventory instructional materials and set up, operate, and maintain learning aids, materials, and assistive technology.
- Assist with classroom management and supervision, behavior modification programs, point systems, data collection, and discrete trials as assigned.
- Help teachers implement accommodations and specialized instructional strategies, reinforce skills, and support work production and test-taking.
- Guide independent study, enrichment, and remedial work as defined by the teacher and student IEP.
- Facilitate play and social interactions and model language between peers.
- Escort and assist students throughout the building, during lunch and recess, on and off the bus, and on community-based experiences.
- Help students use technology and personal learning devices to access instruction, including remote instruction when applicable.
- Follow supervisors’ directions and ensure student safety; be willing and physically able to perform required restraint, bending, and lifting.
- Cover a classroom during a teacher’s absence when required.
- Attend district and building professional development and training.
- Perform other related duties requested by teachers, principals, pupil personnel services staff, or building administrators.
Benefits
- Full-time employees are offered Group Insurance Commission (GIC) benefits.
- Tuition-free Salem State University coursework through the apprenticeship program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
