FY27: Paraeducator Level II, Special Education Itinerant, Watkins Mill ES, 4hrs/10mos, Ad closes 8/27/26

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, 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 individualized or small group reinforcement of instruction.

This position also involves instructional and classroom management support, as well as related clerical tasks to assist teachers and professional staff. Paraeducators are initially hired at grade 15 and may promote to grade 16 after 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 domains.
• 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, including pull-out sessions for individualized or small group instruction.
• Provide instructional and classroom management support to teachers and professional staff.
• Perform clerical tasks to support classroom operations.
• 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.
• Complete specific training required for the role.

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 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.
• Proficiency or ability to quickly learn standard computer hardware/software (e.g., Google Workspace, MS Office, web-based instructional tools).
• Knowledge of or ability to learn 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 (Bachelor’s preferred) with at least nine credit-hours in education-related fields (e.g., behavior management, instructional strategies). One year of experience working with students in structured educational settings 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 required knowledge, abilities, and skills.

No certificate or license is required for this position.

Pay

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

Schedule

• Part-time.
• 10 working months per year.
• Day shift.