Exceptional Learning Para Educator

Young World Physical Education; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 30,348 - 36,575; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Springfield, Massachusetts is seeking an Exceptional Learning Para Educator for a full-time position dedicated to supporting students with autism. The role involves collaborating with special educators to implement effective academic and behavioral interventions.

The ideal candidate will have a high-school diploma or GED and a passion for education. The salary ranges from $22.03 to $26.55 per hour, and the starting date is August 10, 2026.

Qualifications

• Passion for the mission of Springfield Public Schools.
• Interest in working with students with autism.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and handle unexpected challenges.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with special educators to support students.
• Implement comprehensive academic and behavioral interventions.
• Monitor student progress through data collection.
• Lead tutoring sessions and communicate effectively with all stakeholders.

Skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Public speaking abilities

Collaboration with educators

Utilization of evidence-based practices

Education

High-school diploma or GED

Sixty credit hours of college coursework or an associate's degree

Job description

Exceptional Learning Para Educator

Springfield Public Schools, Office of Exceptional Learning, Springfield, Massachusetts

Job Details

Job ID: 5692694

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: May 05, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 10, 2026

Job Description

Join the SPS Office of Exceptional Learning and be part of an innovative journey. We are looking for dedicated professionals who are attentive, supportive, and committed to helping individuals with autism reach their full potential. This unique opportunity allows you to participate in the inaugural Western Massachusetts Public Day for Autism—where you can innovate, develop your skills, and make a significant impact. Join us to inspire, support, and shape the future of autism education.

The Special Education Paraeducator plays a vital role in implementing engaging and effective academic and behavioral intervention programs for a dedicated group of students. Working closely with students who require extra support, they help create a positive, encouraging classroom environment. This role collaborates with students, families, and teachers to unlock every student's potential and foster lasting success.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Collaborate with an experienced special educator to support a small caseload of students, promoting the academic success of those with moderate to severe needs.
• Implement a targeted, comprehensive academic and behavior intervention system that serves a manageable group of students.
• Support implementation of evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Verbal Behavior approaches, structured teaching, social skills instruction, facilitated play, visual supports, and assistive technology.
• Utilize positive behavioral interventions and supports, structured routines, visual schedules, transition supports.
• Monitor student progress through ongoing data collection.
• Lead daily individual and small group tutoring sessions.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Work side by side with a robust team of related service providers in the classroom to promote generalization of skills and continuity of instruction.

Qualifications

• A passion for SPS’s mission, values, and educational model.
• An interest in working with students with autism.
• Eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals, and a relentless drive to achieve them.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment and remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges.
• Proven track record of high achievement.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong public speaking abilities.
• A sense of humility in the face of success.
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
• High‑school diploma or GED.
• Sixty (60) credit hours of college coursework or an associate’s degree, or a passing score on one of the following standardized assessments:
• ParaPro Assessment (http://www.ets.org/parapro/)
• WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants (http://www.act.org/workkeys/profcert/index.html)
• Current authorization to work in the United States – must have by first day of employment.

Assessment Criteria – WorkKeys

• Reading: 5
• Math: 4
• Writing: 3

Position Type and Salary

Position Type: Full Time – Full Year

Salary: $22.03 to $26.55 per hour

"If you believe, we have a place for you on our team. Come work for us!"

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, and marital status. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Contact Information

• Rosemarie Waltsak, Supervisor of Exceptional Learning
• Office of Exceptional Learning
• Phone: [phone] ext. 55614
• Email: [e-mail]