ParaEducator: Special Education - Pershing Hill Elementary
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Job summary
Anne Arundel County Public Schools seeks a ParaEducator: Special Education at Pershing Hill Elementary, Fort Meade, MD. The role supports teachers in delivering differentiated instruction and maintaining classroom environments for students with disabilities across Pre-K to secondary levels.
You will assist with instructional tasks, transition students, and help implement IEPs, with emphasis on safety, confidentiality, and collaboration with educational staff.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required.
- 48 college credit hours, in lieu of a paraprofessional assessment, required.
- Associate's Degree in Special Education or related field preferred.
Responsibilities
- Implement instructional plans and activities as designated by the teacher/service provider.
- Motivate students and reinforce instruction to support student independence.
- Prepare materials and set up equipment for planned activities.
- Assist students during transitions between activities and locations.
- Comply with medical protocols and assist with health-related needs when required.
- Support students with personal care and dignity including hygiene and assistive devices.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
ParaEducator: Special Education - Pershing Hill Elementary
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Pershing Hill Elementary - Fort Meade, Maryland
Job Details
Job ID:5840528
Starting Date:To Be Determined
Job Description
Title Code:
ParaEducator: Special Education
Assists teachers in caring for the instructional and physical needs of students with disabilities, including those with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. Performs instructional tasks as outlined by professional staff based upon student Individual Educational Programs (IEPs) and delivery of the curriculum, and alternate curriculum standards, recognizing the critical role differentiated instruction and educational environments play in enabling all learners to gain knowledge, skills, and an enthusiasm for learning. Assists in individual and group activities, reinforcing instruction, motivating students, facilitating classroom management and working closely with teachers and other service providers on behalf of students to support the delivery of specially designed instruction at the Pre‑K, elementary and/or secondary grade levels. Must be able to perform any and all listed duties independently which may vary based upon assignment. The ParaEducator's role is to ultimately assist teachers by performing a variety of tasks that are critical to quality teaching and learning, promoting accelerated student achievement and well‑being.
- Implements instructional plans and activities as designated by the teacher, service provider and/or job coach, including demonstration of tasks/skills, and reinforcement engagement.
- Demonstrates patience while working with students, motivating active engagement and encouraging task completion. This includes employing motivational techniques and strategies, implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), redirecting, monitoring learning behaviors and supporting student independence/resiliency.
- Assists in formulating and conducting classroom activities including carrying out planned instructional activities, preparing materials, and setting up equipment.
- Assists/guides students as they transition/travel throughout school buildings/community based instruction.
- Under supervision, complies with medical protocols; including feeding/swallowing and appropriate response to medically‑based (seizures) events and/or health and well‑being situations.
- Helps and/or provides instructional guidance on independent manipulation of outdoor attire, shoes, personal grooming, self‑help, etc.
- Supports instructional programming, including access to the State's Dynamic Learning Maps (DLMs) in the assessment of student knowledge, skills, and understandings.
- Adjusts braces, walkers, and/or wheelchairs as needs, assisting non‑ambulatory students and/or students with disabilities who are not independent with personal care (bodily functions to include toileting, bathroom care and/or diapering).
- Performs a variety of tasks such as collating, supporting instructional modifications (alternate education framework/standards), correcting work samples, inventorying, requisitioning materials, maintaining files, keeping daily records on attendance, and collecting data on student performance and functioning.
- Maintains knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures.
- Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required; and
- Number of College Credit Hours (if applicable) 48 college credit hours, in lieu of a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment issued by ETS or NES, required.
- Associate's Degree in Special Education or related field of education from a regionally accredited college or university preferred.
- One (1) year related experience working with children in an educational setting required.
- Ability to work collaboratively/professionally to support the efforts of teachers/service providers.
- Ability to assist students with disability limitations that include lifting, pushing, moving wheelchairs, feeding, and aiding in bodily functions/hygiene as needed.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Job requires direct in‑person provision of service, therefore punctual, regular and predictable attendance is essential.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
- Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite-Word, Excel, Outlook and/or PowerPoint preferred).
- Licenses and Certifications
Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.
Upon hire, a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment, in lieu of 48 college credit hours, issued by ETS or NES required.
N/A
Qualification Requirements for Employment in First Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:
One (1) additional year of successful experience required.
Successful completion of fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required.
Qualification Requirements for Employment in Second Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:
Two (2) additional years of successful experience required.
Associate’s degree in Special Education or related field of education OR Successful completion of additional fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required.
Eligibility for Consideration for Advancement requires:
One (1) year continuous successful experience in the position at the Lower Grade level.
Two (2) years continuous successful experience in the position at the First Higher Grade level.
Mastery of all responsibilities and assignments of the position.
Achievement of Professional Certification, License, or evidence of course completion in pursuit of such certification or license, if applicable.
Evidence of completion of additional training that may be recommended by supervisor and/or participation in approved professional development programs or courses, approved in advance by the supervisor. Successful completion of a minimum of one professional development within the last two years is required. Successful completion of job specific professional developments identified on the job description, performance evaluations and/or the supervisor’s documented recommendation are required.
Achievement of identified goals as they relate to the needs of the district and as established by the supervisor.
Consistent compliance with general office procedures such as standards contained in the AACPS Employee Handbook; demonstration of discretion and excellent customer service; regular and punctual attendance; and building dress code, including wearing AACPS ID badge.
Above Satisfactory overall job performance; most recent year of Probationary or Performance Rating for Grade 7 and two most recent consecutive years of Probationary and Performance Ratings for Grade 8. Probationary Ratings completed after January 2, 2024, accepted.
Letter of Recommendation written by the Principal.
Additional Requirements for Advancement from Lower Grade to First Higher Grade requires:
Successful completion of fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required.
Additional Requirements for Advancement from First Higher Grade to Second Higher Grade requires:
Associate’s degree in Special Education or related field of education OR Successful completion of additional fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required.
N/A
The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
Standing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Walking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Sitting: under 1/3 of the time
Using hands to handle or feel: over 2/3 of the time
Pinching (fine motor skills): under 1/3 of the time
Wrist deviation: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Keyboarding: under 1/3 of the time
Pushing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Pulling: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Reaching (with hands and/or arms): over 2/3 of the time
Balancing: under 1/3 of the time
Stooping: under 1/3 of the time
Kneeling: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Crouching: under 1/3 of the time
Bending: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Twisting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Squatting: under 1/3 of the time
Talking: over 2/3 of the time
Hearing: over 2/3 of the time
Smelling: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: over 2/3 of the time
As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Vision
The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
No special vision requirements
Work Environment
Location
Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 of the time
Outdoor environment: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Street environment (near moving traffic): under 1/3 of the time
Exposure
Wet or humid conditions (non-weather related): under 1/3 of the time
Outdoor weather conditions: under 1/3 of the time
Noise Level
Moderate: over 2/3 of the time
Weight & Force
Lifting and carrying requirements
Up to 80 pounds: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
Travel Requirements
N/A
Approved Date: 4/1/2026
Established Date: 5/1/2014
Title Code: C04025
Title: PARAEDUCATOR: SPECIAL EDUCATION
Alternate Title: Paraeducator: Special Education
Reports to Generic: Principal
Reports to Specific:
Division: Academics
Business Unit: Specialized Instruction & Early Intervention
Department:
Negotiated Agreement: Secretaries and Assistants Association of Anne Arundel County (SAAAAC)
Unit: IV
Days Worked: 191
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: SG06;SG07;SG08
Months Worked: 10
Hours Worked: 7
Job Family: Educational Support Services
Sub-Function: Classroom Assistants
Position Type:1.00 FTE
Job Categories:
Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA
Anne Arundel County Public Schools prohibits discrimination in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or disability. For more information, contact: Anne Arundel County Public Schools Division of Human Resources, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. 410-222-5061 TDD 410-222-5000 or Email Recruitment
Citizenship, residency or work visa required
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