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. They work with school staff to create an educational environment that supports all students by providing instructional assistance, classroom support, and implementing effective classroom strategies.

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

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 to support student success.

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 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 assessments:
  • ParaPro Assessment (http://www.ets.org/parapro/)
  • WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants (http://www.act.org/workkeys/profcert/index.html)
• Current authorization to work in the United States
• Passing scores on the Work Keys 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 doors of infinite possibilities for our 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. As the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts, we celebrate diversity with over 44 languages spoken and 60 countries represented by students and staff. We foster a positive, professional environment where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen, and heard. Our district is dedicated to equity and excellence, empowering educators through competitive salaries, benefits, and cutting-edge professional development opportunities.

Join Our Team

If you have questions about the position or need assistance matching your skills, contact Carmen Molina-Figueroa at molina-figueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com.

Commitment to Equity

Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, ancestry, age, disability, military service, or homelessness. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination or participate in equal opportunity investigations.