Education Support Professional (ESP) – Thoreau Elementary School

Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District; Concord (MA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District is seeking a caring Special Education Assistant for Thoreau Elementary School in Concord, MA. The role supports students with diverse learning and developmental needs in both substantial separate and inclusive settings, providing academic, behavioral, and social-emotional assistance throughout the day.

Ideal candidates have patience, empathy, flexibility, and a belief that all students can grow with the right support.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with learning, cognitive, behavioral, and developmental needs.
• Ability to implement supports under guidance of special educators and related service providers.
• Elementary school experience preferred but not required.
• Strong communication with families and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and small-group support to students across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains.
• Assist students in accessing classroom instruction and participating in school activities.
• Support the implementation of accommodations, interventions, and behavior support plans.
• Collect observational and progress-monitoring data as directed by special education staff.
• Collaborate effectively with teachers, specialists, administrators, and families.
• Help maintain a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment for all students.

Skills

Experience with diverse disabilities

Communication and collaboration

Patience and empathy

Reliability and punctuality

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required

Job description

Education Support Professional (ESP) – Thoreau Elementary School

Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District Thoreau Elementary School - Concord, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5963434

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 18, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Special Education Assistant – Thoreau Elementary School
Thoreau Elementary School is seeking a caring, enthusiastic Special Education Assistant to join our dedicated community of educators. At Thoreau, our core values- Community, Academic Excellence, Respect, Effort, and Safety- guide everything we do, and we are looking for someone who shares those values and is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

We are especially interested in candidates who have experience supporting students with a wide range of learning, cognitive, behavioral, communication, and developmental needs in elementary school settings. Successful candidates will demonstrate patience, empathy, flexibility, and a strong belief that all students can grow and succeed with the right support.

This position involves working closely with students in both substantially separate and inclusive settings, providing individualized academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support throughout the school day. Responsibilities may include assisting with classroom routines, supporting students during instruction, implementing accommodations and interventions, and helping students build independence and positive relationships with peers and adults.

At Thoreau, we value staff members who are team players and who contribute positively to a collaborative, student-centered environment. Because consistency is so important for our students, reliable attendance and punctuality are essential expectations for this role. We are looking for someone who is adaptable, willing to learn, and able to respond calmly and effectively to the changing needs of students and classrooms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students with diverse disabilities, including cognitive, behavioral, communication, and developmental needs
• Ability to implement instructional and behavioral supports under the guidance of special educators and related service providers
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Positive, proactive, and student-centered approach
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and small-group support to students across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains
• Assist students in accessing classroom instruction and participating in school activities
• Support the implementation of accommodations, interventions, and behavior support plans
• Collect observational and progress-monitoring data as directed by special education staff
• Collaborate effectively with teachers, specialists, administrators, and families
• Help maintain a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment for all students

Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:45 AM – 12:30 PM

Salary

Step 1 $26.18 to Step 6 $31.93, based on experience.

Concord Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by law. We value diversity and strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Welcome to Thoreau Elementary School

Concord Public Schools' mission is to educate all students as lifelong learners, creative thinkers, caring citizens, and responsible contributors in our increasingly diverse global society. We embrace our diverse community regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, religion, disability—mental or physical —sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. We welcome, respect, value, and encourage our employees, students, and families to share their cultures with those they work, learn, and interact with, fostering a greater sense of cultural humility for all. We understand the commitment it takes to cultivate healthy learning and working environments that balance psychological safety with accountability. Our district is committed to hiring, mentoring, and retaining a racially diverse staff. We are intentional about increasing the representation of Educators of Color in teaching and leadership positions across our schools. We are relentless in our efforts to bolster equity in both academic and learning spaces by fostering a culture of equity, inclusivity, and belonging, and ensuring our employees and students have equitable access to resources and opportunities needed to thrive. We do not exclude from participation, deny the benefits of Concord Public Schools from or otherwise discriminate against, individuals based on race*, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, active military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, or pregnancy-related condition, homelessness, ancestry, ethnic background, national origin, or any other category protected by state or federal law in the administration of its educational and employment policies, or in its programs and activities (*race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type, hair length and protective hairstyles).

Job Requirements

• At least 1 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Justin Sparks , Principal
• 29 Prairie Street
• Concord, Massachusetts 01742
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]