FY27: Paraeducator Level II, Special Education Itinerant, Gaithersburg ES, 6 hr/10 mos (Ad Closes 9/1/26)

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 with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The paraeducator may assist students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support, facilitating mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards. Students supported may participate in general education classes, specialized instructional settings, or receive individualized or small group instruction. This role also includes instructional and classroom management support, as well as clerical tasks to assist teachers and professional staff.

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.

Responsibilities

• Support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) in academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical needs.
• Facilitate student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards.
• Manage behaviors that impact a student’s ability to access the curriculum.
• Assist in general education classes and/or specialized instructional settings.
• Provide individualized or small group reinforcement of instruction.
• Perform instructional and classroom management support tasks.
• Complete related clerical tasks to support teachers and professional staff.
• Continue planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence.
• Participate in learning activities off school grounds, as required.
• Accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program needs.

Physical Demands

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

Requirements

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to assist with implementation of instructional programs and monitor student behavior.
• Patience and ability to work effectively 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.
• Knowledge of standard computer hardware and software (e.g., Google Workspace, MS Office, web-based instructional tools).
• Ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

Qualifications

One of the following combinations of education, training, and experience is required:

• Option 1: Associate’s degree (required), Bachelor’s degree (preferred). College coursework must include a minimum of 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 working with children/adolescents in a structured setting (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, extended day, or school/non-school-based departments).
• Option 3: 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.
• Option 4: Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills for the role.

No certificate or license is required.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $26.23 to $40.17 per hour, based on years of service.

Schedule

• Full-time
• 10 working months per year
• Day shift