Educational Support Professional - Special Education
Chicopee Public Schools Fairview Elementary School – Chicopee, Massachusetts
Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026
Job Description
TITLE: EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (includes General Education, Special Education, ELL, Early Childhood, Computer Lab)
TYPE: Chicopee Education Association (Unit E) Collective Bargaining Agreement
SALARY: Per Unit E Contract
STATUS: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Building Principal for evaluation and classroom teacher for day‑to‑day assignments
OBJECTIVE: The primary function of a paraprofessional is to perform duties as assigned by the classroom teacher in the delivery of the district curriculum in multiple ways that increase student learning and achievement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following duties may be performed:
- Work with small groups of students
- Administer, correct, and communicate basic analysis of student assessments
- Utilize the conclusions derived from assessment analysis in subsequent instruction
- Instruct students on rules of conduct and expected behaviors
- Bring academic, social and motor issues to the attention of the classroom teacher
- Support class objectives and outlines that align with the district approved curriculum
- Maintain records, attendance and assessments as required by the classroom teacher
- Assist in preparation of classroom materials
- Assist in the delivery of differentiated instruction in an appropriate manner consistent with district curriculum
- Provide timely feedback to the classroom teacher regarding student progress in academic, social and motor skills
- Assist students with activities of daily living, including diapering and toileting needs as necessary
- Be trained or willing to be trained by the Chicopee Public Schools in the knowledge and performance areas identified for the specific assignment (e.g., Responsive Classroom Techniques, Implementation of a Student Behavior Plan, Use of a communication board, Physical Restraint and Verbal De‑escalation Techniques, Mathematics supplementary services/programs/support, ELA supplementary services/programs/support, Read Naturally, Linda Mood Bell)
In addition, the Education Support Professional will:
- Work independently by appropriately using the directions given by the classroom teacher
- Demonstrate dependability, time management, and receptive and expressive communication skills to effectively perform the assignment
- Build on strengths and act on suggestions in areas needing improvement
- Possess the ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to new situations and an ever‑changing educational environment
- Demonstrate sound judgment
- Maintain an effective, professional working relationship with others (e.g., paraprofessionals, teachers, staff, parents, guardians, administrators, etc.)
- Resolve conflict well, and seek assistance when appropriate
- Strive to maintain a learning environment that is both physically and emotionally safe
- Assist in the communication and enforcement of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as district policies and procedures, as appropriate
- Perform other duties as assigned by the principal, school administration or superintendent of schools
- If primarily assigned to the computer lab, the paraprofessional will be responsible for: (1) computer lab equipment, materials and software; (2) assisting targeted students with software use; (3) maintaining daily records of student use and progress; and (4) maintaining an inventory of hardware, software and other equipment
Required Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma required, with additional college level coursework; Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred
- Passing score on the DESE‑endorsed assessments (WorkKeys or ParaPro) if no college degree
- Bilingual (Spanish/English, Farsi, Russian, etc.) preferred
- Previous experience preferred
ADA & Minimum Qualifications to Perform Essential Job Functions
- Physical Requirements: Able to operate equipment including computers, copiers, etc.; able to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally; able to stand, crouch and bend over for long periods
- Data Conception: Ability to compare and judge functional or structural characteristics of data, people or objects
- Interpersonal Communication: Ability to speak and signal people and give instructions to subordinates or assistants
- Language Ability: Ability to read and prepare correspondence, reports, procedures, charts, surveys, articles, and other written materials; ability to speak before groups with poise and confidence
- Intelligence: Ability to apply logical, scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, interpret instructions and manage variables
- Verbal Aptitude: Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions; understand technical or professional languages
- Numerical Aptitude: Ability to use mathematical formulas, add, subtract, multiply, divide, use decimals and percentages, and apply basic mathematics, algebra and geometry
- Form/Spatial Aptitude: Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape
- Motor Coordination: Ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using office equipment and assisting students
- Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle various items and use office equipment with eye/hand coordination
- Interpersonal: Ability to work with people beyond giving instructions; adaptability under stress and emergencies
- Physical Communication: Ability to talk and hear, use telephone, and communicate with students via communication boards or devices
Job Details
Job ID: 5810013
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $22,777 to $36,324 Per Year
Job Categories:
- Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA
- Special Education > Autism
- Special Education > General Special Education
- Special Education > Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Job Requirements
- At least 3 years of relevant experience preferred
- Associate degree preferred
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required
Contact Information
- Tyrell Adeyemi, Principal
- Fairview Elementary School
- Email: tadeyemi@cpsge.org