SY 26-27 Paraprofessionals - Special Ed Programs

Fitchburg School District; Fitchburg (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

Professional development days

Job summary

Fitchburg School District is seeking Paraprofessionals for Special Ed Programs to support classroom teachers and ensure safe, effective education for students with special needs. Positions involve 185 days per year and collaboration with SPSA/Principal.

Applicants should meet ESSA requirements, hold an associate degree or 48 credits, or pass a Massachusetts assessment. Competitive pay and health benefits through the City of Fitchburg are provided.

Qualifications

• Meets or exceeds ESSA Title I Paraprofessionals Hiring Requirements;
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills;
• Ability to lift to 20 lbs/bend often, and walk;
• Experience working with students with special needs is preferred

Responsibilities

• Assist special needs students with or without disabilities;
• Assist the classroom teacher in the implementation of academic /social/behavioral needs;
• Ensure the safety of students across all settings of the school day;
• Attend and participate in meetings and other assigned meetings and activities;
• Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events;
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by district policy;
• Support teachers and administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct;
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning.

Job description

SY 26-27 Paraprofessionals - Special Ed Programs

Fitchburg School District Special Education Department - Fitchburg, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Fitchburg Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5923562 Application Deadline: Oct 30, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time) Posted: Sep 11, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC) Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Job Details:

Paraprofessionals will assist teachers in providing an innovative, high-quality education program designed to meet the needs of the children in the Fitchburg Public Schools.

Paraprofessionals will work with school staff to create an educational environment in which quality and continuity are key factors in educating the students of the Fitchburg Public Schools.

Minimum Qualifications

Meets or exceeds Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I Paraprofessionals Hiring Requirements;

• Have obtained an associate (or higher) degree, or;
• Have at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 credit hours from an accredited higher education institution, or;
• Have met a rigorous standard on one of the formal Massachusetts-endorsed Assessments: Parapro or WorkKeys;
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents, and advocate for children to effectively problem solve;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders;
• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student;
• Ability to lift to 20 lbs/bend often, and walk;
• Knowledge of the education, development, and instructional support of children;
• Experience working with students with special needs is preferred

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Paraprofessional will:

• Assist special needs students with or without disabilities;
• Assist the classroom teacher in the implementation of academic /social/behavioral needs;
• Ensure the safety of students across all settings of the school day;
• Assignments: program/classroom para OR 1:1 individual para and other duties as assigned by the administration;
• Under the guidance of the classroom teacher willuse innovative approaches and instructional strategies, including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn;
• Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues;
• Attend and participate in meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy/CBA;
• Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification, ex: SafetyCare, Alice Training, etc.;
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by district policy and administrative regulation;
• Support teachers and administrationin implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom,supports rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students;
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and second language learners;
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the building principal/SPSA/assistant principal.

Reports to: Principal/SPSA

Evaluated by: Principal/SPSA

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year

185 days per year (includes 3 paid Professional Development days & 3 paid Holidays)

As negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and theFitchburg Education Association (FEA).

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg;www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits .

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment.

Notice of Non Discrimination The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law. Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420,[e-mail]

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $24.29 to $28.63 Per Hour

Job Categories

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

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

Contact Information

• Lily Mendonca , SPSA
• McKay Elementary School
• Email: [e-mail]