Exceptional Learning Para Educator

About the role

Join the SPS Office of Exceptional Learning and be part of an innovative journey. We are looking for dedicated professionals who are attentive, supportive, and committed to helping individuals with autism reach their full potential. This is a unique opportunity to participate in the inaugural Western Massachusetts Public Day for Autism—where you can innovate, develop your skills, and make a significant impact. Join us to inspire, support, and shape the future of autism education.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Collaborate with an experienced special educator to support a small caseload of students, promoting the academic success of those with moderate to severe needs.
• Implement a targeted, comprehensive academic and behavior intervention system that serves a manageable group of students.
• Support implementation of evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Verbal Behavior approaches, structured teaching, social skills instruction, facilitated play, visual supports, and assistive technology.
• Utilize positive behavioral interventions and supports, structured routines, visual schedules, transition supports.
• Monitor student progress through ongoing data collection.
• Lead daily individual and small group tutoring sessions.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Work side by side with a robust team of related service providers in the classroom to promote generalization of skills and continuity of instruction.

Qualifications

• A passionate belief in SPS's mission, values, and educational model;
• An interest in working with students with Autism;
• 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.

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 3rd 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.