Life Skills Paraprofessional

COMMERCE HIGH SCHOOL; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Para Pro to Teacher Pipeline program

Job summary

COMMERCE HIGH SCHOOL, part of Springfield Public Schools, is seeking a Life Skills Paraprofessional to support teachers and students in a dynamic, inclusive classroom. You will provide instructional assistance, help create an engaging educational environment, and collaborate with staff to meet diverse student needs.

The role emphasizes direct instruction, classroom support, material preparation, behavior management, and supervision on field trips, with strong emphasis on equity, professional

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 60 college hours or an Associate’s degree.
• Passing scores on ParaPro or WorkKeys assessments.
• Authorization to work in the United States by first day of employment.
• Ability to work with diverse student needs and maintain professional conduct.

Responsibilities

• Supports direct instruction to children individually, in small groups, and in classroom settings.
• Provides assistance with classroom activities and prepares instructional materials.
• Manages individual and classroom behavior.
• Supervises students on field trip activities.
• Performs other support services as requested by Building Principal.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

Goal orientation

Education

High school diploma

60 college hours

ParaPro/WorkKeys certified

Job description

Springfield Public Schools COMMERCE HIGH SCHOOL - Springfield, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Life Skills Paraprofessional

This job is also posted in Springfield Public Schools MA

Job Details

Job ID: 5949945

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

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

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Life Skills Paraprofessional

Classroom Para Educators assist teachers in providing an innovative, high quality education program designed to meet the needs of all children in the Springfield Public Schools. Classroom Para Educators will work with school staff to create an educational environment that meets the needs of all students by providing instructional assistance, classroom support, and implementing effective classroom strategies.

Classroom Para Educators in the Springfield Public Schools have a substantial benefit package including competitive wages, paid sick leave, and Professional Development opportunities including a robust Para to Teacher Pipeline program.

Responsibilities:

• Supports direct instruction to children individually, in small groups, and in classroom settings
• Provides assistance with classroom activities.
• Prepares instructional materials.
• Manages individual and classroom behavior
• Supervises students on field trip activities.
• Performs other support services and related duties as requested by Building Principal.

Examples of support services and educational settings served by paraprofessionals may include: life skills, developmental classrooms, social, emotional, & behavioral support (SEBS), LINKS (Autism) program, visual or mobility orientation, language learning delays and medical care. Please note: Additional duties may need to be performed as part of the job requirement in favor of student success. Be sure to review the Collective Bargaining Agreement to ensure that you clearly understand the conditions of your employment as a Classroom Para Educator.

Qualifications:

• A passionate belief in SPS's mission, values, and educational model;
• An extraordinarily high bar for student behavior and expectations;
• An eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals, and a relentless drive to achieve them;
• An ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and a capacity to remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges;
• Proven track-record of high achievement;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong public speaking skills;
• A sense of humility in the face of success;
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom;
• A high-school diploma or GED; and
• Sixty (60) Credit Hours of College Coursework or an Associate’s Degree, or a passing score on one of the two following Formalized Standardized Assessments: ParaPro Assessment (http://www.ets.org/parapro/ ) or WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants (http://www.act.org/workkeys/profcert/index.html ); and
• Current authorization to work in the United States – A candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.

**A passing score on the Work KeysExams in the following areas:

• Reading: 5
• Math: 4
• Writing: 3

“If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!”

About our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3 rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that Empowers Educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district