Immediate: Paraeducator Level II, Special Education, John F. Kennedy HS, 4hr/10mo, Ad closes 8/31/26

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. Responsibilities include managing behaviors that impact students' ability to access the curriculum and supporting students who participate in general education classes as well as specialized instructional settings.

This position also involves instructional and classroom management support, clerical tasks, and participation in learning activities off school grounds. Paraeducators in this role support special education services including 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.
• Outside duty may be required.
• Must accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.
• Continues planned instructional activities during the teacher's temporary absence from the classroom.
• May require specific training to fulfill the role.

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 students' ability to access the curriculum.
• Assist in general education classes and specialized instructional settings, including pull-out instruction for individuals or small groups.
• Provide instructional and classroom management support to teachers and professional staff.
• Perform related clerical tasks to support classroom operations.
• Participate in learning activities off school grounds as required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to assist with the 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.
• 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

Requirements are listed in order of preference:

• 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 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, extended day, or school/non-school-based departments).
• Option 3: Two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, adult day program, 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 for this position.

Pay

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

Schedule

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

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit the following link: Benefits Information.