Salem Public Schools Salem , MA 01970
Posted 2 months ago
Special Education Intensive Instructional Paraprofessional, Elementary School
About Salem Public Schools, where belonging leads to opportunity.
Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district enrolling nearly 4,000 students across our 11 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity, and opportunity in everything we do. Over the next three years (2023-2026), we are committed to the work outlined by the four core priorities in our strategic plan: 1) Elevate Learning; 2) Empower Educators; 3) Center Belonging; and 4) Strengthen Our Foundation. We seek individuals who are passionate about urban education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement for all students, regardless of ability, economic status, gender/gender identity, language, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other backgrounds. Applicants who have experience working in urban schools and settings and are bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply.
What You'll Do:
Paraprofessionals assist teachers and/or other service providers in providing an innovative, high quality education program designed to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities in the Salem Public Schools. Paraprofessionals work with school staff to create an educational environment in which quality, social connections and continuity are key factors. In addition to sound reasoning and good organizational skills, paraprofessionals are expected to contribute to a positive school culture and climate. Paraprofessionals are district-wide employees and subject to the negotiated Paraprofessional Contract, as well as the rules and regulations of Salem Public Schools
The position may include some personal care, lifting, feeding, academic support, behavioral interventions and the use of technology. The right person for this position is eager to work in a substantially separate program within our elementary school setting. The intensive paraprofessional must be dependable, organized, flexible and willing to learn through hands-on experience, professional reading/training and through consultation and observation with clinicians and specialists.
Role Responsibilities:
Demonstrate an understanding of assigned student's profile and learning needs, read student IEP and engage in related PD
Support and collaborate with the special education teachers and service providers on an ongoing basis
Reinforce and redeliver lessons
Assist with student supervision; administer behavior modification programs/point systems, data taking, discrete trials, under the direction of the classroom teacher
Assist teacher in implementing accommodations and specialized strategies, including ABA techniques, for instruction and skill reinforcement
Facilitate self-care routines.
Facilitate social interactions and model language between peers
Escort and assist student as needed throughout the building, on community-based experiences, during lunch/recess and on/off the bus
Follow direction of the supervisor/teacher and assure safety of student at all times
Step in to assist with general classroom operations and supervision, as needed
Attend district-wide and building-based professional development and training
Other duties as prescribed by building administrative staff and PPS Executive Director, as described within the Paraprofessional contract
What You'll Bring:
We are looking for candidates who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our mission and are highly motivated to change children's lives through education. You'll be right at home here if you are a reflective practitioner who values collaboration with colleagues and pushes yourself, your work and the people around you to the next level. We expect our SPS employees to:
The selected candidate must have the skills, abilities and aptitude to meet all unique needs of their assigned students.
Job requirements:
High School Diploma or GED
Forty-eight (48) Credit Hours of College Coursework or an Associate's Degree, or a passing score on one of the two following Formalized Standardized Assessments: ParaPro Assessment (http://www.ets.org/parapro/) or WorkKeys
Safety-Care Trained or willing to be trained (District will provide training)
Minimum of one year experience working with elementary-aged children
Written and Oral English proficiency required; fluency in Spanish or Portuguese advantageous
Basic computer literacy skills. Familiarity with using chromebooks and applications advantageous
Current authorization to work in the United States
The Paraprofessional reports to the building Principal, Special Education Supervisor, students' assigned classroom teacher(s) and Executive Director of Special Education.
This is a school-year position, following the district calendar and school hours. Salary according to union contract.
Benefits: The City of Salem offers Group Insurance Commission (GIC) benefits to all full-time employees. Click here for more information about our health benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
Salem Public Schools