Special Education Teacher Assistant/Instructor/Para

May Institute; West Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental & vision insurance

403B retirement plan with employer/ins

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan assistance

Job summary

The May Institute in Massachusetts is seeking a Special Education Assistant, Instructor, or Para to support students ages 3–21 with autism and developmental disabilities in Chicopee and West Springfield. You’ll provide direct classroom support, implement intervention strategies, and help students build essential skills using ABA, working within a dedicated multidisciplinary team.

This full-time, year-round role offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, PTO, tuition reimbursement, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Must have a current and valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Availability for mandatory morning meeting at 7am or 7:40am; 40-hour work week, M-F, 8-hour days.
• ABA experience or history working with children with autism is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support lead teachers in implementing IEPs.
• Assist students with personal care and behavioral interventions.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment.
• Use ABA strategies to promote communication, social skills, and independence.
• Document student progress and collaborate with families and a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Strong interpersonal abilities

Reliability

Compassion

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Special Education Assistant | Instructor | Para

Chicopee and West Springfield

Special Education Assistant | Instructor | Para

Chicopee and West Springfield

Full-Time | Year-Round Program

Make a real difference in the lives of children and adolescents (ages 3–21) with Autism and developmental disabilities! As a Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional/Instructor, you’ll provide direct classroom support, implement intervention strategies, and help students build critical skills using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

What You'll Do

• Support lead teachers in implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Assist students with personal care and behavioral interventions.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment.
• Use ABA strategies to promote communication, social skills, and independence.
• Document student progress and collaborate with families and a multidisciplinary team.

What You Bring

• Age: 18+
• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred
• License: Current and valid U.S. driver’s license
• Availability: Mandatory morning meeting per week at 7am or 7:40am. 40-hour work week, M-F, 8-hour days plus a 30-minute unpaid midday break.
• Skills: Strong interpersonal abilities, reliability, compassion, and adaptability

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Pay: $23.50-$24.50, depending on applicable experience
• Paid Time Off: Vacation and paid holidays!
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental & vision insurance.
• Career Growth: Paid training, certifications & internal promotion opportunities.
• Support When You Need It: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial Flexibility: Dependent care FSA & voluntary benefits.
• Start Time Flexibility: Start between 7am and 8:10am
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement & student loan assistance.
• Secure Your Future: 403B retirement plan with employer match.

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