Classroom Para Educator-Bowles

About the Role

Classroom Para Educators assist teachers in providing an innovative, high quality education program designed to meet the needs of all children in the Springfield Public Schools. Classroom Para Educators will work with school staff to create an educational environment that meets the needs of all students by providing instructional assistance, classroom support, and implementing effective classroom strategies.

Responsibilities

• Supports direct instruction to children individually, in small groups, and in classroom settings
• Provides assistance with classroom activities
• Prepares instructional materials
• Manages individual and classroom behavior
• Supervises students on field trip activities
• Performs other support services and related duties as requested by Building Principal

Examples of support services and educational settings served by paraprofessionals may include: life skills, developmental classrooms, social, emotional, & behavioral support (SEBS), LINKS (Autism) program, visual or mobility orientation, language learning delays and medical care.

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
• 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)
• 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

Benefits

Classroom Para Educators 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.