Educational Support Professional - Special Education 18-22 Program
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 essential duties and responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- 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)
Additional Responsibilities
- Work independently by appropriately using the directions given by the classroom teacher.
- Demonstrate the dependability, time management, as well as 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.
- 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) managing the Computer Lab (equipment, instructional materials, software, hardware, etc.), (2) assisting targeted students in running software and developing basic skills, (3) maintaining daily records of student use and progress in programs used, (4) maintaining an inventory of hardware, software, and other equipment and instructional materials in the lab.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma required, plus additional college level coursework. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Achieve a 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: Must be able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, copiers, adding machines, etc.; exert up to 30 pounds occasionally; stand, crouch and bend over for long periods during the day.
- Data Conception: Ability to compare and judge observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics of data, people or things.
- Interpersonal Communication: Ability to speak and signal people to convey or exchange information; give instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants.
- Language Ability: Ability to read various correspondence, prepare reports, forms, evaluations, procedures, charts, surveys, articles, bid specifications, brochures, news releases, handbooks, budgets, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style; speak before groups with poise, voice control and confidence.
- Intelligence: Apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions; interpret instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; deal with abstract and concrete variables.
- Verbal Aptitude: Record and deliver information, explain procedures, follow oral and written instructions; understand and communicate in a variety of technical or professional languages including medical, legal, accounting, and marketing terminology.
- Numerical Aptitude: Utilize mathematical formulas; addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; decimals, percentages; apply principles of basic mathematics, algebra, geometry.
- Form/Spatial Aptitude: Inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
- Motor Coordination: Coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment and assisting students in activities of daily living.
- Manual Dexterity: Handle a variety of items such as office equipment and hand tools; minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
- Interpersonal: Deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions; adaptable to performing under stress and in emergency situations.
- Physical Communication: Talk and hear (express or exchange ideas by spoken words; perceive sounds by ear); communicate via telephone; use communication boards and devices with students as required.
Position Type
Full‑Time
Salary
$22,777 to $36,324 Per Year
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