FY27: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education, 7hrs/10mos, Springbrook HS 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, including personal care and medical needs. The role may involve working with students who display physical and/or verbal aggression and participating in learning activities off school grounds. The focus is on facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, typically in specialized instructional settings.

This position also provides instructional and classroom management support, as well as related clerical tasks to assist teachers and professional staff. New paraeducators are hired at grade 17 and may promote to grade 18 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.
• Assist with personal care and medical needs of students.
• Manage and support students who may display physical and/or verbal aggression.
• Participate in learning activities off school grounds as required.
• Facilitate student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards in specialized instructional settings.
• 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.
• Accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.

Physical Demands

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

Requirements

• Specialized training (provided by MCPS) in alignment with assignment special education services required within 6 months of starting.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and perform required tasks.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking 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 related to education (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 working 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, adult day program, after-school program).
• Option 3: Two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, adult day 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.

No certificate or license requirements.

Skills

• Knowledge of child development and instructional strategies applicable to the assignment.
• Ability to assist with implementation of instructional programs and monitor student behavior.
• Patience and effectiveness in working with children, young adults, and staff.
• Knowledge of instructional goals and policies of Montgomery County Public Schools.

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $28.57 and $44.10 per hour, based on years of service.

Schedule

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

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit this link.