Paraprofessional: Essential Skills Program - Amazonia Elementary

SAVANNAH R-III SCHOOL DISTRICT; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

SAVANNAH R-III SCHOOL DISTRICT in Springfield is seeking a paraprofessional for the 2026-27 school year to support students with developmental disabilities under the direction of the special education teacher.

Responsibilities include assisting with instructional and daily living skills, maintaining a safe classroom, collaborating with staff, and upholding confidentiality and professional standards. This role requires patience and reliability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to work effectively with students with developmental disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to provide physical support as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional, behavioral, and personal support to students with developmental disabilities under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Assist students in developing functional academic, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and daily living skills.
• Support students during classroom instruction, small group activities, community-based instruction, transitions, and inclusion opportunities as appropriate.
• Implement instructional strategies, accommodations, behavior support plans, and interventions as directed by certified staff.
• Assist with the use of visual supports, assistive technology, sensory supports, and structured routines to promote student success.
• Encourage student independence, self-regulation, and positive peer interactions.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Support students with behavioral, emotional, and sensory needs using positive behavior support strategies.
• Follow district procedures related to student supervision, crisis response, confidentiality, and behavior intervention.
• Provide support with personal care needs, including toileting, feeding, hygiene, mobility, and lifting as needed in accordance with student IEPs and district procedures.
• Maintain awareness of student medical, safety, and communication needs.
• Work collaboratively with special education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and general education staff to support student success.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with staff, students, and families.
• Participate in team meetings, training opportunities, and ongoing professional learning as directed.
• Accept direction and feedback from supervising staff and implement supports consistently.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and records in accordance with FERPA and district expectations.
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility, dependability, and a student-centered mindset.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Professionalism

Physical support

Education

High school diploma

Job description

This opening is for the 2026-27 school year.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide instructional, behavioral, and personal support to students with significant developmental disabilities under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Assist students in developing functional academic, communication, social-emotional, adaptive, and daily living skills.
• Support students during classroom instruction, small group activities, community-based instruction, transitions, and inclusion opportunities as appropriate.
• Implement instructional strategies, accommodations, behavior support plans, and interventions as directed by certified staff.
• Assist with the use of visual supports, assistive technology, sensory supports, and structured routines to promote student success.
• Encourage student independence, self-regulation, and positive peer interactions.

Behavior & Safety Support

• Assist in maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Support students with behavioral, emotional, and sensory needs using positive behavior support strategies.
• Follow district procedures related to student supervision, crisis response, confidentiality, and behavior intervention.
• Provide support with personal care needs, including toileting, feeding, hygiene, mobility, and lifting as needed in accordance with student IEPs and district procedures.
• Maintain awareness of student medical, safety, and communication needs.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work collaboratively with special education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and general education staff to support student success.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with staff, students, and families.
• Participate in team meetings, training opportunities, and ongoing professional learning as directed.
• Accept direction and feedback from supervising staff and implement supports consistently.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of student information and records in accordance with FERPA and district expectations.
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility, dependability, and a student-centered mindset.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work effectively with students impacted by developmental disabilities and diverse learning needs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to physically assist students as needed, including lifting, positioning, and mobility support.

Preferred

• Paraprofessional certification or completion of required Missouri substitute/paraprofessional requirements.
• Experience working with students with developmental disabilities, ASD, behavioral needs, or adaptive skill instruction.
• Training or experience in behavior support, CPI, sensory regulation strategies, or assistive technology.