LINKS PARA EDUCATOR

About the Role

Classroom Para Educators assist teachers in providing an innovative, high-quality education program designed to meet the needs of all children in the Springfield Public Schools. Para Educators work with school staff to create an educational environment that meets the needs of all students by providing instructional assistance, classroom support, and implementing effective classroom strategies.

Examples of support services and educational settings served by paraprofessionals may include: life skills, developmental classrooms, social, emotional, & behavioral support (SEBS), LINKS (Autism) program, visual or mobility orientation, language learning delays, and medical care. Additional duties may be required in favor of student success.

Responsibilities

• Supports direct instruction to children individually, in small groups, and in classroom settings
• Provides assistance with classroom activities
• Prepares instructional materials
• Manages individual and classroom behavior
• Supervises students on field trip activities
• Performs other support services and related duties as requested by Building Principal

Qualifications

• A passionate belief in SPS's mission, values, and educational model
• An extraordinarily high bar for student behavior and expectations
• An eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals, and a relentless drive to achieve them
• An ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and a capacity to remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges
• Proven track-record of high achievement
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong public speaking skills
• A sense of humility in the face of success
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• A high-school diploma or GED
• Sixty (60) credit hours of college coursework or an Associate’s Degree, or a passing score on one of the following formalized standardized assessments:
  • ParaPro Assessment
  • WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment
• A passing score on the WorkKeys Exams in the following areas:
  • Reading: 5
  • Math: 4
  • Writing: 3

Benefits

• Competitive wages
• Paid sick leave
• Professional Development opportunities, including a robust Para to Teacher Pipeline program

About Our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts, with over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff.

We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen, and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district committed to equity and excellence.

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis, and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs to help staff achieve a college degree or certification pathways.

For specific questions about the position or assistance with matching your skills, contact Carmen Molina-Figueroa at molina-figueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com.