Paraeducator - Special Education - Hickory Elementary School - 2026-2027 School Year

HCPS Careers; Maryland; On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Harford County Public Schools invites applications for a Paraeducator – Special Education at Hickory Elementary School. This is a full-time ten-month position with starting salary $28,482 and potential to $47,769, aligned to the HCEA-ESP schedule.

The Paraeducator supports instruction, assists with IEP/IFSP implementation, helps with data collection and assessments, and may perform personal care tasks as required. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and relevant credits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; associate of arts degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or 48 college credits with grade C or higher.
• Passing ParaPro exam or ParaPathways scores as specified.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provides support to students during instruction.
• Implements teacher lesson plans with individuals or small groups.
• Works under the direction of the teacher to provide instruction to students.
• Assists with data collection, testing, and student assessment.
• Assists with IEP/IFSP implementation for students with special needs.
• Monitors student behavior and applies behavioral strategies.
• Assists with personal care needs of students as required.
• Prepares instructional materials and supports school-wide duties.
• Participates in professional development and works with students via digital platforms.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or GED; associate of arts degree or higher

48 college credits with grade C or higher

Passing paraprofessional exam (ParaPro 455+ or ParaPathways scores)

Job description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

August 10, 2026

HCPS is committed to recruiting and retaining effective and diverse educators and staff to build a climate of student success and improve learning experiences for every child in every classroom.

PARAEDUCATOR – SPECIAL EDUCATION

Hickory Elementary School

Lateral transfers of instructional personnel are not considered after August 1st.

To assist school staff with instructional programs, activities, and personal needs of students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE

These items are intended only as examples of the various types of job duties to be performed; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

• Provides support to students during instruction.
• Implements teacher lesson plans with individuals or small groups of students.
• Works under the direction of the teacher to provide instruction to individual or small groups of students.
• Assists with data collection, testing, and student assessment.
• Assists with the implementation of the Individual Education Programs (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) for students with special needs depending on placement.
• Monitors student behavior and implements behavioral strategies and intervention plans.
• Provides assistance with personal care needs of students including, but not limited to, lifting, transferring, feeding, toileting, and restraint as required.
• Prepares instructional materials for students as directed.
• Assists with school-wide duties including, but not limited to, field trips, school assemblies, class coverage, bus duty, and the computer lab.
• Participates in professional development programs as assigned.
• Works with students via digital platform(s) to provide support during instruction, assist with data collection, testing, and student assessment.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned, which is inclusive of in-person duties and virtual duties as applicable.

SALARY

• This is a full-time ten-month position. Salary range based on the FY 2026-2027 HCEA-ESP Salary Schedule for Paraeducator Personnel.Starting Salary: $28,482– Maximum Earnings Potential $47,769.
• Full salary schedules can be found at the bottom of the Current Vacancies webpage https://www.hcps.org/departments/humanresources/vacancies.aspx
• HCPS offers an expansive benefits package including individual and family medical, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement savings, pension, paid time off, and more.
• For a complete list of benefits, please visit the Employment Benefits section of the Human Resources webpage: https://www.hcps.org/departments/HumanResources/Default.aspx
• For more information on holidays and paid time off, please refer to the Holidays and Leave Provisions sections of the HCEA-ESP Negotiated Agreement: https://www.hcps.org/boe/collectivebargaining.aspx
• FLSA: Non-Exempt

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High school diploma or GED, and
  • associate of arts degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
  • 48 college credits with grade "C" or higher; or
  • A passing score on a paraprofessional exam which include:
    • ParaPro score of 455 or higher taken on or before August 31, 2026
    • ParaPathways (5757): Reading and Writing with a score of 332 or higher AND ParaPathways: Mathematics with a score of 334 or higher
      • https://parapro.ets.org/5757.html
    • Foundations of Classroom Support (517) with a score of 220 or higher
      • https://www.nestest.com/state/md
    • Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519) with a score of 220 or higher
      • https://www.nestest.com/state/md
• Possess strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to be trained in and perform proper restraint techniques.
• Able to lift and transfer students weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Possess specific skills as dictated by the needs of the students, e.g., sign language, ability to lift heavy objects, address medical needs, etc.

DEADLINE

Online employment applications will be accepted until filled. Applications received on or before August 17, 2026 will be given first consideration.

AFFIRMING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE

The Board of Education of Harford County is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We adhere to the principles of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Board of Education of Harford County prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or any other protected characteristic in any program or activity it operates. The Board of Education of Harford County encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

Inquiries or concerns about your rights related to Title IX can be directed to our Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Eric Davis, at 102 South Hickory Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014, 410-588-5202, or [e-mail]. Inquiries related to your rights under Title VI or Title VII can be directed to our Coordinator of Investigations, Ms. Renee McGlothlin, at 410-809-6087 or [e-mail]. Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination policy can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: (hcps.org) and found on the HCPS website under Board of Education Policies and Procedures. Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination statement can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: (hcps.org) and found on HCPS’ homepage.