Special Education Partner Paraprofessional (Anticipated Vacancy)(SY26-27)

Boston Public Schools; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Boston Public Schools seeks a Special Education Partner Paraprofessional to support students with disabilities in an inclusive setting under the supervision of a special education teacher.

You will reinforce instructional goals, assist with classroom management, and provide individualized academic or behavioral support as directed by staff. The role emphasizes confidentiality and collaboration with the team.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with young children.
• Education: HS diploma or GED plus 48 college credits/associate degree or approved assessments.
• Must have U.S. work authorization on first day of employment.

Responsibilities

• Support students with IEP Grid B services under licensed educator supervision.
• Provide small group or individual instruction under supervision.
• Explain tasks and support understanding of concepts per IEP.
• Adapt materials to align with individual IEPs.
• Assist with instructional materials and accommodations (e.g., audiobooks).
• Use technology to support instruction and document progress.
• Monitor and collect academic/behavior data as directed.

Skills

IEP knowledge

Data collection

Small group instruction

Collaboration

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or GED

48 college credits / Associate’s degree or ParaPro/WorkKeys

Tools

Audiobooks

Speech-to-text software

Instructional technology

Job description

This position is an anticipated vacancy. It is expected to be vacant by 10/22/2026. However, the current incumbent has a right to rescind their retirement, leave, or resignation up until the day of the expected vacancy date. Your hire will not be confirmed until the position is vacated, and you may start the year as a Long-Term Substitute if the position does not become vacant by the start of the school year.

Reports to

Principal/Head of School

General Description and Goals

The Special Education Partner Paraprofessional provides direct support to students with disabilities in an inclusive setting. They work under the supervision of a special education teacher to assist students in meeting their academic, behavioral, and social goals and support students with diverse learning needs by reinforcing instructional goals, assisting with classroom management, and providing individualized academic or behavioral support as directed by professional staff. Responsibilities include data collection, assisting with life skills, implementing behavioral strategies, and collaborating with educators to foster an inclusive learning environment. This role requires professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality while supporting student growth and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Support students in providing IEP Grid B services as directed by licensed special educator, reinforcing instructional goals and IEP objectives.
• Provide small group or individual instruction under licensed educator supervision.
• Assist students with assignments by providing explanations, breaking down tasks, and reinforcing concepts as identified in the student’s IEP.
• Adapt or modify materials as needed to align with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist with setting up instructional materials, technology, and accommodations (e.g., audiobooks, speech-to-text software).
• Utilize appropriate technology to support instruction and documentation.
• Provide one-on-one or small-group support to reinforce learning.
• Implement behavior management strategies as outlined in students’ Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Reinforce positive behavior and provide redirection when necessary.
• Monitor and collect academic and behavioral data as directed and report findings to the special education team.
• Work closely with the special education teacher, and collaborate with general education teachers, therapists, and other staff to support students’ learning and accommodations.
• Provide feedback on student progress, challenges, and behaviors to help inform instructional strategies.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information in compliance with FERPA and IDEA regulations.
• Encourage independence by helping students develop self-advocacy and problem-solving skills.
• Participate in professional development and apply learned strategies to enhance student support.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors in accordance with school policies and the collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications - Required

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Forty-eight (48) Credit Hours of College Coursework or an Associate's Degree, or a passing score on one of the two following Formalized Standardized Assessments: ParaPro Assessment (http://www.ets.org/parapro/) or WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants (http://www.act.org/workkeys/profcert/index.html).
• Minimum of two years experience working with young children.
• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.

Qualification - Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
• Certification as a teacher
• BPS values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity. BPS is particularly interested in candidates who are fluent in one of BPS' official languages: Spanish, Creole (Cape Verdean), Creole (Haitian), Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, & Somali.
• Experience working with students with special education needs.

Terms

BTU, Paraprofessional (Security, Library, Surround Care, Coverage, 1 to 1) hourly rate. Please refer to the BPS website for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step. The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, natural or protective hairstyle, military status, immigration status, English language proficiency, or any other factor prohibited by law in its programs and activities. BPS does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to work or learn. If you require an accommodation pursuant to the ADA for the application process, please contact the Accommodations Unit at [e-mail].