Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional)

Westford Public Schools; Westford (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Westford Public Schools is seeking a Pathways 1:1 Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional) at Blanchard Middle School in Westford, MA. This full-time role starts immediately and reports to site administration and a cooperating teacher.

The ESP provides instructional, behavioral, and classroom support to students, collaborates with teachers, adapts materials, monitors progress, and ensures confidentiality while promoting inclusive, respectful learning environments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; further education/training preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to relate to students, staff, parents, and community.
• Patience, empathy, and genuine interest in working with diverse learners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and participate in training.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support (1:1, small group, and classroom help) to students with and without special needs.
• Assist with adapting materials and guiding assignments and activities.
• Support behavior management and implement accommodations as directed.
• Utilize assistive technology and other tools to aid learning.
• Monitor student progress and communicate with the cooperating teacher.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Empathy

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Training willingness

Education

High school diploma

Associates or bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional)

Westford Public Schools Blanchard Middle School - Westford, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5919044

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 09, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Position: Pathways 1:1 Educational Support Professional

Reporting directly to building based administration and an assigned cooperating teacher(s), and working under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with Westford Education Association/Unit E, the Educational Support Professional (ESP) advances the mission of WPS by developing curious lifelong learners who are responsible, empathetic members of the community, demonstrating innovation through a wide variety of opportunities within inclusive, joyful learning environments that embrace their variability and honor their diversity.

Position Responsibilities

The ESP plays a vital role in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth within the educational setting. The ESP works closely with certified teachers to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. All ESPs are expected to communicate effectively with their cooperating teacher regarding student progress, behavior, and any concerns. As with all members of the school community, ESPs must maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with school policies and legal requirements.

Instructional support may include, but not limited to:

• providing one-on-one, small group or whole group instruction to students with and without special needs, reinforcing lessons and
• adapting materials as directed by the teacher;
• assisting students with completing assignments, projects, and activities, offering guidance and encouragement.;
• implementing instructional strategies and accommodations, as directed by the teacher;
• utilizing assistive technology and other specialized equipment to support student learning
• reading tests aloud, taking notes, and providing other accommodations as directed by the teacher; and
• helping students develop organizational and study skills.

Behavioral support may include, but not limited to:

• assisting the implementation of positive behavior support plans and strategies;
• monitoring and redirecting student behavior, promoting a positive and safe learning environment;
• helping students develop social skills and appropriate interactions with peers; and
• providing support during behavioral crisis, following established protocols and training.

Overall classroom management support may include, but not limited to:

• assisting the teacher with classroom management, organization, and preparation of materials;
• helping set up instructional materials, visual aids, and equipment;
• maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly classroom environment; and
• supervising students during transitions, lunch, recess, and other non-instructional times.

In addition to the core responsibilities of ESPs as outlined above, the specialized ESP's listed have additional duties described below.

Special Education ESP: The Special Education ESP assists the teacher in general daily classroom activities, provides individualized support to special needs students, and attends to their physical, emotional health and safety, while affirming their abilities and promoting dignity in all interactions. Under the direction of a certified special education teacher or therapist, the ESP helps implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, and support the overall well-being of students. As part of the Team, professional staff members (teachers, therapists, counselors) consult with ESPs to provide accommodations, modification and services agreed upon in a student's IEP. ESPs may also be asked to collect data on student performance and behavior, assist in tracking student progress towards IEP goals and document observations and provide feedback to the teacher.

In some cases personal Adaptive Daily Living Skills care such as supporting personal hygiene, feeding, dressing is required. Based on the level of care required, an ESP may be asked to assist with physical transfer and positioning of students, as directed by therapists and with proper training.

Data Collection and Progress Monitoring is an important requirement in special education; therefore an ESP may be asked to collect data on student performance and behavior as directed by the teacher and assist in tracking student progress towards IEP goals.

Job Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a high school diploma. Further formal education such as an associates or bachelor degree or demonstrate professional training is preferred. The candidate should possess:

• solid communication skills and demonstrate interpersonal skills;
• an ability to relate well with students, staff, administrators, parents/caregivers and the community.
• patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in working with students with and without special needs;
• understanding of the unique needs of students with disabilities;
• ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• ability to maintain confidentiality; and
• willingness to participate in required training, such as behavior management techniques

Physical Demands

Physical demands vary in keeping with the assignment and age of the students, but the position generally requires the ability to walk and stand on tile flooring, occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, and bend/twist regularly at the waist, knees and neck. Some ESPs may be required to assist students with mobility, including lifting and transferring (with training).

Depending on the assignment, much of the work is performed in a typical classroom environment. This may include everyday discomforts and distractions typical of a school setting, such as proximity to students and colleagues, temperature variations, frequent interruptions and moderate noise. Must be able to assist in the protection of students and school property, and assist in fire and other emergencies drills as required by law and School Committee policy.

Terms of Employment

The Educational Support Professional is a Westford Public Schools Unit E position. Terms of employment, including evaluation and salary are covered by the provisions of the Unit E collective bargaining agreement currently in effect.

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $23 to $31 Per Hour

Job Categories

Instructional Support > Individual Aide

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > General Special Education

Job Requirements

• Strong Interpersonal Skills
  Strong Organizational Skills
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Janet Keirstead , Assistant Principal
• 14 West Street
• Westford, Massachusetts 01886
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]