SPED Para Educator-LINKS

WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools Washington Elementary School in Springfield, Massachusetts is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional. You will work with a small caseload of students to drive academic achievement and support rigorous intervention systems under the supervision of a special educator.

The role emphasizes high expectations, collaboration with families and teachers, and participation in a para to teacher pipeline.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 60 college credits or an associate's degree, or a passing score on ParaPro or WorkKeys.
• U.S. work authorization by the first day of employment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with an experienced special educator to support a small caseload of students with moderate to severe needs.
• Implement an effective academic and behavior intervention system for a small caseload.
• Maintain consistent high academic and behavioral expectations for students.
• Support student mastery of state and local standards in academics and behavior.
• Lead daily one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal communication

Behavior intervention

Tutoring

Education

High school diploma or GED

60 college credits/Associate's degree

ParaPro or WorkKeys certification requirement

U.S. work authorization

Job description

Springfield Public Schools WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Springfield, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Paraprofessionals in the Springfield Public Schools have a substantial benefit package including competitive wages, paid sick leave, and Professional Development opportunities including a robust Para to Teacher Pipeline program.

Role

The Special Education Paraprofessional holds primary responsibility for overseeing the implementation of effective, rigorous academic and behavior intervention systems with a small case load of students. The Special Education Paraprofessional will work closely with a small case load of students who need additional supports to be successful in the classroom. This individual will support those students, their families, and their teachers in an effort to fundamentally change the successes they are realizing.

Specific Responsibilities

• Work alongside an experienced special educator to support a small case load of students, driving the academic achievement of students with moderate to severe need;
• Implement an effective, rigorous academic and behavior intervention system with a small case load of students;
• Provide consistent and high academic and behavioral expectations;
• Support student mastery of state, city, and school academic and behavioral standards;
• Lead daily individual and small group tutoring sessions; and
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.

Qualifications

• A passionate belief in SPS's mission, values, and educational model;
• An extraordinarily high bar for student behavior and expectations;
• An eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals, and a relentless drive to achieve them;
• An ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and a capacity to remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges;
• Proven track-record of high achievement;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong public speaking skills;
• A sense of humility in the face of success;
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom;
• A high-school diploma or GED; and
• Sixty (60) 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 ); and
• Current authorization to work in the United States – A candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.

A passing score on the Work Keys Exams in the following areas

• Reading: 5
• Math: 4
• Writing: 3

About our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3 rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that Empowers Educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, age, handicap, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• KeithAsher , Principal
• WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

Position Type

FT - School Year

Salary

$22.69 to $27.35 BU Salary Schedule