Exceptional Learning Para Educator

Join the SPSOffice ofExceptional Learning and be part of an innovative are looking for dedicated professionals who are attentive supportive and committed to helping individuals with autism reach their full potential. This is a unique opportunity toparticipatein the inaugural Western Massachusetts Public Day for Autismwhere you can innovate develop your skills and make a significant impact. Join us to inspire support and shape the future of autismeducation.

The Special Education Paraeducatorplays a vital role in implementing engaging and effective academic and behavioral intervention programs for a dedicated group of students. Working closely with students who require extrasupport theyhelp create a positive encouraging classroom environment. This individual collaborates with students families and teachers to unlock every students potential and foster lasting success.

Day-to-DayResponsibilities:

• Collaborate with an experienced special educator to support a small caseload of students promoting the academic success of those with moderate to severe needs.

• Implement a targeted comprehensive academic and behavior intervention system that serves a manageable group of students.

• Support implementationof evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Verbal Behavior approaches structured teaching social skills instruction facilitated play visualsupports and assistive technology.

• Utilizepositive behavioral interventions and supports structured routines visual schedules transitionsupports.

• Monitorstudent progress through ongoing data collection.

• Lead daily individual and small group tutoring sessions.

• Communicate effectively with students families and colleagues.

• Work side bysidewith a robust team of related service providersin the classroomto promote generalization of skills and continuity of instruction.

Qualifications:

• A passionate belief in SPSs mission values and educational model;

• An interest in working with students with Autism;

• 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;

• Proventrack recordof 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; and

• Sixty (60) Credit Hours of College Coursework or an Associates Degree or a passing score on one of the two following Formalized Standardized Assessments:ParaProAssessment ( )or WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants ( ); and

• Current authorization to work in the United States A candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.

**A passing score on the Work KeysExams in the following areas:

• Reading: 5

• Math: 4

• Writing: 3

If you BELIEVE we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!

About our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is 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 approximately24000 studentswith learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rdlargest district in Massachusetts. Our district has 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 supportedseenand heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that Empowers Educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits we providenumerouscutting-edgeprofessional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of thedistricttherefore it is relevant and actionable. 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 dataanalysisand management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in Grow our Own and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for orassistancewith matching your skills to a position Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy toassistyou at.

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin sex gender identity sexual orientation genetic information pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions ancestry age disability or military service as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or whoparticipatein an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed tomaintaininga learning environment free from discriminationon the basis ofrace color sex gender identity religion national origin sexual orientationdisabilityor homelessness.

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employmenton the basis ofrace color religion national origin sex gender identity sexual orientation genetic information pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions ancestry age disability veteran status or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminateon the basis ofsex and prohibits sex discrimination including sexual harassment in any education program or activity that itoperates as required by Title IX and its regulations including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights at or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services 1550 Main Street Springfield MA 01103 ext. 55325.

Springfield Public Schools sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can belocatedon the Springfield Public Schools website report information about conduct that mayconstitutesex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX please refer to

Required Experience:

IC