FY27: Long Term Substitute, Paraeducator Level II, Special Education, Walter Johnson HS, Full time

About the Role

At the direction of the principal, this paraeducator performs a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The paraeducator may assist students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support, both in general education classes and specialized instructional settings. Responsibilities include facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, managing behaviors, and providing instructional and classroom management support. This position also involves related clerical tasks to support teachers and professional staff.

Paraeducators in this class support the following special education services: PEP, Transition, DHOH, Speech, Vision, Physical Impairments, Elementary Learning Center, Bridge, Autism Resource Services (ARS), and Autism Connections.

All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 15 and may promote to a grade 16 after successfully completing a six-month probationary period and required training hours.

Physical Demands

• Frequent bending, walking, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds may be required.

Special Requirements

• Outside duty may be required.
• Must accommodate flexible scheduling and changes in location/program as needed.
• Continues planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence.
• May require specific training to fulfill the role.

This is a long-term substitute position lasting until 12/23/2026.

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $20.95 and $37.00 per hour.

Schedule

• Full-time
• 10 working months
• Day shift

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to assist with implementing instructional programs and monitoring student behavior.
• Patience and effectiveness in working with children, young adults, and staff.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and perform required tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to interact with and support students with special needs.
• Knowledge of standard computer hardware/software (e.g., Google Workspace, MS Office, web-based instructional tools).
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

Qualifications

Requirements are listed in order of preference:

• Option 1: Associate’s degree (required); Bachelor’s degree (preferred). College coursework must include at least nine credit-hours in education-related fields such as behavior management or instructional strategies. One year of experience working with students in structured educational settings is preferred. If no related coursework, two to four years of experience with children/adolescents in structured settings (e.g., daycare, preschool) is required.
• Option 2: At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school program).
• Option 3: Two years of experience in a structured setting and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher.
• Option 4: Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills.

No certificate or license requirements.