Para-Special Education- Baltimore Teacher Apprenticeship Program (BCPS-Loyola Partnership)

Under the direction of a teacher assists students by performing a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being. Duties involve working with students individually and in groups providing life skills management assistance reinforcing instruction assisting with classroom management and assisting students on and off of buses.

During the first yearunder the direction of a teacher and university staff this position performs duties to support student learning in classroom settings by applying program knowledge to daily responsibilities and demonstrating initiative as an engaged learner throughout the confidentiality and collaboration with school and college/university staff are essential expectations. Performs other duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties

• Collaborates with the teacher and college/university staff in implementing a program of instruction that delivers purposeful lesson plans and provides effective teaching strategies that align with the educator preparation program outcomes.

• Assists teachers in evaluating instructional lessons materials and strategies to meet the individual and collective needs of students.

• Assists students individually or in groups with instructional activities skills reinforcement activities recreational play supervision of field trip experiences and special programs. Helps maintain an attractive neat and safe classroom.

• Assists and/or trains students (up to 21 years of age) in self-care and personal grooming to include such activities as undressing dressing teeth brushing toileting and diapering. Adjusts braces walkers and wheelchairs when applicable. Pushes lifts and transfers non-ambulatory students and assist students on and off buses. Assists students with feeding when required.

• Assists teacher in monitoring student behavior while in the classroom and the school area.Observes and gathers assessment data on students. Discusses observations/progress of students with instructional staff.

• Applies knowledge and skills gained through coursework and mentorship to daily classroom responsibilities ensuring continuous professional growth.

• Performs a variety of clerical tasks including correction work papers/tests keeping daily attendance log maintaining appropriate student folders/records and other related tasks as assigned may be required to operate a computer and basis office equipment.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Training and Experience:

HS diploma or equivalent plus successful completion of the MSDE ParaPro Assessment or 48 college credits required. Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

Experience working with students in a classroom setting is preferred.

Eligible candidates must agree to and meet the following criteria:

• Currently hold a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.

• Meetallapplicationandenrollmentrequirementsforpartnering institution of higher education.

• Commit to completing the Baltimore Teacher Apprenticeship Program (BTAP) while maintaining good academic standing in the partnering institutions educator preparation program.

• Maintain employment with the Baltimore County Public Schools as a Paraeducator in good standing (satisfactory performance appraisal).

• Commit to transitioning to a special education teacher assignment during the internship year of theBaltimore Teacher Apprenticeship Program.

• Committoteaching special educationfor three (3)yearsinBCPS uponthe completion of the Baltimore Teacher Apprenticeship program.

Licenses and Certificates:

N/A

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of working with individuals with developmental emotional and/or physical disabilities.
• Knowledge of the educational system.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in the use of computer hardware and software programs.
• Ability to implement instructional activities under the direction of the teacher and mentor.
• Ability to maintain a high level of ethical behavior and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to participate in in-service training programs and learn and operate new software programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English using appropriate vocabulary grammar and spelling.
• Ability to maintain computer lab and equipment.
• Ability to work with teachers in assisting and coordinating software programs with student lesson plans.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Ability to compute intermediate math calculations.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

The work of this class is performed in a school environment. Work may entail lifting heavy objects and frequent bending. Work may require the ability to move around the school and classroom.

Conditions of Employment:

Employees in this class may be required to work afternoons evenings and weekends based on the BCPS school events.

Employees in this assignment must maintain the following to continue employment in the Paraeducator - Apprenticeship (BTAP) position:

• Satisfactory performance appraisals
• Successful enrollment and progress in the partnering institutions educator preparation program.

• Professionalism and effective collaboration with the appointed university liaison and teacher mentor to complete requirements within the timeframe designated by the program.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary:Grade 31-35 depending on education. $21.12-$34.83 (Hourly Base Pay Scale for Non-Exempt Paraeducators Represented by ESPBC Effective January 1 2026)

Benefits:

BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans dental plans vision life insurance flexible spending accounts disability coverage and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include sick paid holidays personal business and bereavement days and flexible leave options such as FMLA sick bank and board approved new hires will attend a benefits and retirement orientation upon hire.

Eligible for membership in the Maryland State Retirement System.
Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at
1/2026

This class specification defines the types of duties and level of difficulty of work required of positions in this title. It shall not be held to exclude duties not mentioned nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Application Instructions
Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Each time an applicant applies to a job with BCPS the applicationmust be resubmitted. If an applicant started an application with BCPS in the past and at a later date decides to apply for additional positions it is the applicants responsibility to review the entire application and ensure that all data is up to date (for example the applicant may need to add additional schooling or certifications an additional work experience or provide updated references). The applicant must remember to review the entire application each time for accuracy and submit each time for a new or different vacancy.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals supervisors managers mentor teachers and university/college supervisors.Personal references from colleagues friends community members not be accepted. Applicants should notify their reference proactively to inform them they will receive a form via email through a MAILBOT email address from Baltimore County Public Schools. Applicants should also give their reference(s) for the job to which they are applying.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment including student teaching and internship experience and include names addresses and telephone numbers of employers.
• Be sure to answer all criminal background questions. If you answer yes to any of the criminal background questions you must provide a written explanation. A criminal offense does not necessarily exclude an applicant from employment with BCPS. Factors such as passage of time since the offense the nature of the violation and the extent of rehabilitation will be taken into consideration.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All people employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools regular and temporary are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (per COMAR) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $109. An identification card will be issued which must be shown prior to employment.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts for all higher education must be received prior to signing the contract.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnelmustattend aBadges and Benefitssession.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Contact Information:

Hope Fields

The Office of Temporary and Support Services