Special Education Paraprofessional

Paraprofessionals in the Springfield Public Schools enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, paid sick leave, paid holidays, earning incentive days, and extensive professional development opportunities, including a robust Para to Teacher Pipeline program.

Role Overview

The Special Education Paraprofessional is responsible for supporting the implementation of effective, rigorous academic and behavioral intervention systems for a small caseload of students. This role works closely with students who require additional supports to succeed in the classroom and collaborates with families and teachers to help students achieve meaningful academic and personal growth.

Specific Responsibilities

Work alongside an experienced special educator to support a small caseload of students, driving academic achievement for students with moderate to severe needs.

Implement effective and rigorous academic and behavioral intervention systems.

Maintain consistent and high academic and behavioral expectations.

Support student mastery of state, city, and school academic and behavioral standards.

Lead daily individual and small-group tutoring sessions.

Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.

Qualifications

A passionate belief in SPS’s mission, values, and educational model.

High expectations for student behavior and achievement.

Eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and measurable goals, with a strong drive to achieve them.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and remain calm and focused when faced with challenges.

Proven track record of strong performance.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking.

Humility and openness to feedback.

Commitment to improving the minds and lives of students both inside and outside the classroom.

High school diploma or GED.

One of the following:

Sixty (60) credit hours of college coursework,

An Associate’s Degree, or

A passing score on one of these standardized assessments:

ParaPro Assessment

WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants

Required WorkKeys passing scores:

Reading: 5

Math: 4

Writing: 3

Current authorization to work in the United States is required by the first day of employment.