SAIL Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional)

Westford Public Schools; Westford (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Westford Public Schools is seeking a SAIL Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional) for Blanchard Middle School in Westford, MA. The role supports students with emotional disabilities in a separate classroom and in general education settings, under the guidance of the Special Educator and Classroom Teacher.

The position runs Monday through Friday, 7:50am to 2:20pm, with a full-time schedule.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills and organizational skills are required.
• Monday-Friday 7:50am - 2:20pm schedule indicates full-day presence.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction to designated students in a structured classroom.
• Follow behavior management guidelines and implement student programs.
• Collaborate with the Special Educator and Classroom Teacher to share effective teaching strategies.
• Maintain data collection logs to support programming decisions.
• Respond to student behavior signals and employ de-escalation when needed.
• Work with service providers and BCBA to implement IEPs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Job description

SAIL Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional)

Westford Public Schools Blanchard Middle School - Westford, Massachusetts

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Job Details

Job ID: 5846434

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 22, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026

Job Description

Educational Support Professional (Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional) working in the SAIL classroom (Social, Academic, Inclusive Learning). Work daily with students with emotional disabilities, both in a substantially separate classroom and in the general education classroom. They must be able to work effectively with the Special Educator, Classroom Teacher, District BCBA, and service providers to fully implement students’ individual educational plans. ESPs must be able to observe, collect data and report on the students of this classroom to the Special Educator and Classroom Teacher in a professional manner in order to maintain the integrity of the programming which meets the students’ needs.

• Responsible for providing instruction to designated students in a structured classroom environment designed to strengthen intellectual, emotional, and social growth under the Special Educator.
  
• Understand implications and practical application of individual student’s educational programs and behavior management guidelines.
  
• Collaborates with the Special Educator and Classroom Teacher to share observations of teaching strategies to further develop effective approaches for student learning in academics, life skills, and appropriate behavior.
  
• Maintain data collection logs used to further develop appropriate programming.
  
• Implement behavior programs and teach necessary skills for self regulation of behavior under the direction of the Special Educator that may require using Safety Care strategies.
  
• Knowledgeable and open to learning, successful de-escalation strategies and techniques to allow adjustment of approach with students during disruptive behavior episodes.
  
• Able to respond proactively to students behavior signals to potentially de-escalate a possible behavior episode.
  

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $24 to $26 Per Hour

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Individual Aide

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > Emotionally Disabled

Special Education > General Special Education

Job Requirements

• Strong Interpersonal Skills
  Strong Organizational Skills
  Monday-Friday 7:50am - 2:20pm
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Janet Keirstead , Assistant Principal
• 14 West Street
• Westford, Massachusetts 01886
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]