Instructional Aide SCALE, (7 hours/11 months), Tobin

Tobin Montessori School’s mission is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive scholars who are lifelong learners and problem solvers. Montessori classrooms use diverse materials designed to promote physical, intellectual, creative, and social independence. The classroom atmosphere encourages cooperative learning, peer teaching, and emotional development in an inquiring, nurturing setting where students expand knowledge through self-initiated experiences under trained adult guidance.

The Office of Student Services (OSS) provides supports and services to ensure equitable access and success for students with disabilities and advanced learning needs in Cambridge Public Schools.

About the role

The SCALE (Social, Communication, Academic, and Life Skills Education) program is an eleven-month substantially separate classroom for students who require intensive, specially designed instruction in one or more of these areas. Most students are on the Autism Spectrum, though the program serves a range of disabilities across elementary, middle, high school, and a Post Graduate Program for young adults aged 18–22 who continue to qualify for special education services.

The instructional aide paraprofessional reports to and is supervised by the special educator and assists in implementing each student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

Responsibilities

• Assist with instruction for students with disabilities
• Supervise students with disabilities during non-instructional activities and transitions
• Collaborate with general education, special education, and related services staff
• Accommodate and modify student learning; support the general education teacher with appropriate accommodations
• Perform related duties as designated by the special educator or supervisor
• Assist with toileting as required
• Address the physical, educational, and social-emotional needs of students
• Work on the floor and move around the room to support curriculum implementation, use of manipulatives, and other instructional methods

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or 48 college credits from an accredited institution (preferred)
• Previous Montessori training or experience (preferred)
• Experience working with students in urban environments
• Physical ability to perform de-escalation and safe physical restraint techniques after training

Skills

• Above-average collaboration skills
• Excellent oral communication
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability
• Energetic, enthusiastic, patient, and flexible

Schedule

7 hours per day, 11 months per year.