SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL

Westfield Public Schools; Westfield (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield Public Schools at Westfield Middle School in Westfield, Massachusetts is hiring a Special Education Paraprofessional to support teachers and provide physical and emotional assistance to students to help meet program goals. The role involves assisting students with daily tasks, reinforcing learning in small groups, and helping implement individualized strategies.

It also includes supervision during drills, field trips, and meal times.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher; or 48 credit hours from a higher education institution; or passage of the ParaPro or Work Keys assessment.
• Demonstrated interest in children and education.
• Emotional maturity and stability for the specialized work involved.
• Ability to communicate and work successfully with staff and students.
• Positions may require diapering, toileting, lifting and/or feeding; please inquire at interview.

Responsibilities

• Assist the student(s) to whom assigned in physical tasks and daily routines.
• Work with individuals or small groups to reinforce learning.
• Assist the teacher in devising strategies for reinforcing material based on student needs.
• Establish supportive relationships with students without over-involvement.
• Assist with supervision during drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips.
• Help with supervision of playground, lavatories, cafeteria, and bus loading activities.
• Assist with lunch, snacks, and cleanup routines.
• Participate in in-service training programs.
• Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or designee.

Education

Associate degree or higher

48 credit hours

ParaPro or Work Keys

Job description

Special Education Paraprofessional

Westfield Public Schools Westfield Middle School - Westfield, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5948391

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 02, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Seeking qualified applicants for opening at Westfield Middle School.

Job Goal: To assist the teachers achieve teaching objectives by working with individual students or small groups in an effort to provide them with the physical and emotional support needed to meet the program goals.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the student(s) to whom assigned in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off of clothing, moving from room to room, using the lavatory, feeding and so on.
• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assists the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests or abilities.
• Establishes as fully as possible a supportive and sympathetic relationship with the student(s) without fostering or encouraging intense emotional involvement.
• Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips.
• Assist teacher in duties relating to the supervision of playground, lavatories, cafeteria, and bus loading activities.
• Assists with lunch, snack, and clean-up routines.
• Participates in in-service training programs.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

Reports To: Teacher/Special Education Supervisor and Building Principal

The terms of employment and salary schedule will be commensurate with the Westfield Public Schools Unit D contract.

Performance in this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Westfield School Committee policy on evaluation.

This position subject to funding

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $18 to $29 Per Hour

Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Welcome to Westfield Middle School

VISION STATEMENTWestfield Middle School's vision is that all students will become critical thinkers, and prepared for their secondary education as independent and successful learners. The climate of WMS will support all students in setting high aspirations for the future and inspiring them to achieve their goals.MISSION STATEMENTWestfield Middle School will provide all students with high quality educational opportunities, and an educational climate that fosters positive relationships and mutual respect among students, staff and families. All learning experiences must be relevant to students, and focus on higher order thinking skills. Building upon these learning experiences, students will be able to generate original ideas, evaluate information, and communicate their thoughts effectively through Reading, Writing, Speaking and Reasoning.CORE VALUESThe core values of the Westfield Middle School lay the foundation for the development and implementation of student-centered course offerings and co-curricular programs. Furthermore, these core values define who we are and what we are about.At Westfield Middle School, we believe that:Our primary focus is on academic achievement and equipping students with skills to be critical thinkers.All students can and will learn.To reach their fullest potential, children and adults need to have high aspirations and be inspired to achieve them.Our school climate must be child-centered, and conducive to the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of middle school children.Parents/families are our partners in their children’s education.The application of current technologies will enhance teaching and learning.Learning and professional growth is an on-going process.All programs and educational services at WMS need to be aligned with our Vision, Mission, and Core Values.

Job Requirements

• Qualifications:

  • Possession of Associates degree or higher; or 48 credit hours from higher education institution; or passage of the ParaPro or Work Keys assessment.
  • Demonstrated interest in children and education.
  • Evidence of the emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
  • Ability to communicate and work successfully with staff and students.
  • Positions may require diapering, toileting, lifting and/or feeding. Please inquire at interview.

  Additional Requirements:

  Work is generally conducted within school building. Ability to travel throughout the school building is necessary. Position involves sitting and the ability to travel from one place to another within the office. Work is moderate in nature with regular lifting of up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds with some pulling and pushing or reaching above, generally of desk and file drawers. Frequent use of hands to operate keyboards and telephones and other office equipment. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Jesse McMillan , Principal
• 30 West Silver Street
• Westfield, Massachusetts 01085
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]