FY27: Paraeducator Level I, Focus (4hrs), Lunch Hour Aide (1.5hrs), Whetstone ES, 5.5hrs/10mos, Ad closes 8/19/26

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 who are diploma-bound. The work focuses on facilitating student mastery of grade-level or above curriculum. Students supported at this level are typically in general education classes throughout the school day and may be pulled out for individualized or small-group reinforcement of instruction. This position also performs instructional and classroom management supports, as well as related clerical tasks to assist teachers and other professional staff in all types of classrooms or learning environments.

All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 13 and have the opportunity to promote to a grade 14 after successfully completing the six-month probationary period and the required number of training hours.

Responsibilities

• Support student mastery of grade-level or above curriculum in general education settings.
• Provide individualized or small-group reinforcement of instruction.
• Assist with instructional and classroom management tasks.
• Perform clerical tasks to support teachers and professional staff.
• Continue planned instructional activities during the teacher’s temporary absence.
• Accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.

Requirements

Physical Demands

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

Eligibility

To be eligible for this paraeducator position, the candidate must already have uploaded to their profile one of the following:

• Unofficial university transcript with 48+ credits.
• If your degree or credits were attained from outside the United States, an official transcript evaluated through an agency approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.
• Unofficial ParaPro Assessment result with a passing score.

Official documents will be requested at the time of hire.

Education, Training, and Experience

These requirements are listed in order of preference:

• Associate’s degree (required); Bachelor’s degree preferred. College coursework should include a minimum of nine credit-hours related to the education field, such as behavior management or instructional strategies. One year of experience working with students in structured educational or academic situations preferred. If no related education coursework, then two to four years of experience working with children and adolescents in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool) is required.
• At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school program, extended day, or school/non-school-based departments).
• Two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school program) and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher.
• Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Skills

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

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $24.38 and $36.67 per hour, based on years of service.

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit this link.

Schedule

• Full-time
• 10 working months
• Day shift