Special Education Paraprofessional

Green Tree School & Services; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Green Tree School & Services in Philadelphia is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with emotional, behavioral, and learning needs in a structured classroom environment. You will help students build academic skills, practice positive behaviors, work toward IEP goals, and stay engaged in learning, even when the day becomes challenging.

The right candidate will collaborate with teachers, therapists, and behavior staff to create a safe, inclusive learning environment,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least 12 months of continuous classroom experience in early intervention, special education, or a related instructional setting.
• Experience supporting students with special needs, emotional needs, or behavioral challenges.
• Classroom-based experience as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, teacher’s assistant, or similar educational support role.
• Commitment to education, literacy, math skill development, writing skill development, and academic intervention.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and composed in high-stress situations, including crisis moments and explosive behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Keep students engaged in learning by supporting lessons, small-group instruction, and daily classroom routines.
• Reinforce academic skills through guided practice, repetition, encouragement, and individualized support.
• Help students work toward IEP goals under teacher supervision.
• Collect instructional and behavioral data to track student progress.
• Use approved behavior support strategies to help students regulate emotions and return to learning.
• Support students during transitions, lunch, recess, and school activities with calm, consistent supervision.
• Help maintain a classroom that is safe, structured, inclusive, and focused on growth.
• Communicate with teachers, therapists, and behavior staff to ensure students receive consistent support throughout the day.
• Model patience, professionalism, and emotional steadiness, especially when students are struggling.

Skills

Patience

Calm under pressure

Communication with teachers

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree or equivalent

Job description

Green Tree School & Services in Philadelphia provides full-time, out-of-district programs for students with autism and emotional support needs. With integrated clinical, behavioral, and academic services, Green Tree School & Services empowers students to achieve independence while upholding values of safety, inclusion, and excellence. Explore how you can help transform lives and impact communities.

If you are looking for an easy school job, this is not it. If you are looking for meaningful classroom work where patience, structure, and academic support can change a student’s day, this role may be the right fit.

As a Special Education Paraprofessional, you will support students with emotional, behavioral, and learning needs in a structured classroom environment. You will help students build academic skills, practice positive behaviors, work toward IEP goals, and stay engaged in learning, even when the day becomes challenging.

The right person for this role understands that progress may be slow, behavior may be challenging, and consistency matters every single day. You will not simply supervise students. You will support instruction, reinforce IEP goals, help manage behavior, and partner with teachers, therapists, and behavior staff to create a safe classroom where students can learn.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• At least 12 months of continuous classroom experience in early intervention, special education, or a related instructional setting

• Experience supporting students with special needs, emotional needs, or behavioral challenges

• Classroom-based experience as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, teacher’s assistant, or similar educational support role

• Commitment to education, literacy, math skill development, writing skill development, and academic intervention

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and composed in high-stress situations, including crisis moments and explosive behaviors

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent

• At least 24 months of certified paraprofessional experience

What You’ll Do

• Keep students engaged in learning by supporting lessons, small-group instruction, and daily classroom routines

• Reinforce academic skills through guided practice, repetition, encouragement, and individualized support

• Help students work toward IEP goals under teacher supervision

• Collect instructional and behavioral data to track student progress

• Use approved behavior support strategies to help students regulate emotions and return to learning

• Support students during transitions, lunch, recess, and school activities with calm, consistent supervision

• Help maintain a classroom that is safe, structured, inclusive, and focused on growth

• Communicate with teachers, therapists, and behavior staff to ensure students receive consistent support throughout the day

• Model patience, professionalism, and emotional steadiness, especially when students are struggling

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Paid time off, paid holidays, and extra paid school breaks for select roles

• Wellness perks including gym discounts, mindfulness apps, and prescription savings

• Tuition reimbursement, career development programs, and leadership training

• 401(k) retirement savings with a 4% company match and immediate vesting

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Free Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling, life coaching, and mental health resources

• Life insurance, disability coverage, and Health Savings Account contributions at no cost to you

Green Tree School & Services is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].