Special Education Partner Paraprofessional (SY26-27)

UP Academy Dorchester; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Public Schools UP Academy Dorchester in Boston, MA is seeking a Special Education Partner Paraprofessional to provide direct support to students with disabilities in inclusive settings. You will assist under a licensed special educator to meet academic, behavioral, and social goals while reinforcing instructional objectives.

Responsibilities include data collection, life skills support, implementing behavioral strategies, and collaborating with teachers to foster inclusion and student

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 48 college credit hours or an Associate's Degree, or valid ParaPro/WorkKeys certificate.
• Minimum of two years of experience with young children.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by start date.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students with disabilities under supervision of a licensed special education teacher.
• Assist with IEP goals, data collection, and progress reporting.
• Support small groups or one-on-one instruction and adapt materials to IEPs.
• Utilize instructional materials and technology to reinforce learning and behavioral plans.
• Collaborate with educators to maintain an inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Experience with young children

Education

High School Diploma or GED

48 college credit hours / Associate's Degree / ParaPro or WorkKeys

US work authorization

Job description

Special Education Partner Paraprofessional (SY26-27)

Boston Public Schools UP Academy Dorchester - Boston, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5990988

Application Deadline: Apr 01, 2027 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted: Nov 12, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

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 ofProficiency 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

Qualifications - 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].

Position Type:

In-District Charter

Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Associate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Boston Public Schools, Office of Human Resources
• 2300 Washington Street
• Roxbury, Massachusetts 02119
• Email: [e-mail]

Map

The content you submit, offer, contribute, attach, post, or display (each a "Submission") will be viewed by other users of the service who may or may not be accurately representing who they are or who they represent. Do not include any sensitive data in your submissions. Any submission or any use or reliance on any content or materials posted via the service or obtained by you through the use of the service is at your own risk. "Sensitive data" for purposes of this section means social security or other government-issued identification numbers, medical or health information, account security information, individual financial account information, credit/debit/gift or other payment card information, account passwords, individual credit and income information or any other sensitive personal data as defined under applicable laws.