Special Education Partner Paraprofessional; SY

General Description and Goals

The Special Education Partner Paraprofessional provides direct support to students with disabilities in an inclusive setting. They work under the supervision of a special education teacher to assist students in meeting academic, behavioral, and social goals and support diverse learning needs by reinforcing instructional goals, assisting with classroom management, and providing individualized academic or behavioral support as directed by professional staff.

Responsibilities include data collection, assisting with life skills, implementing behavioral strategies, and collaborating with educators to foster an inclusive learning environment.

Principal/Head of School

• Support students in providing IEP Grid B services as directed by a licensed special educator, reinforcing instructional goals and IEP objectives.
• Provide small group or individual instruction under licensed educator supervision.
• Assist students with assignments by providing explanations, breaking tasks down, and reinforcing concepts as identified in the student’s IEP.
• Adapt or modify materials to align with students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Assist with setting up instructional materials, technology, and accommodations (e.g., audio books, speech‑to‑text software).
• Utilize appropriate technology to support instruction and documentation.
• Provide one‑on‑one or small‑group support to reinforce learning.
• Implement behavior management strategies outlined in students’ Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Reinforce positive behavior and provide redirection when necessary.
• Monitor and collect academic and behavioral data as directed and report findings to the special education team.
• Work closely with the special education teacher, and collaborate with general education teachers, therapists, and other staff to support students’ learning and accommodations.
• Provide feedback on student progress, challenges, and behaviors to inform instructional strategies.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information in compliance with FERPA and IDEA regulations.
• Encourage independence by helping students develop self‑advocacy and problem‑solving skills.
• Participate in professional development and apply learned strategies to enhance student support.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors in accordance with school policies and the collective bargaining agreement.

• 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 following formalized standardized assessments:
  Para Pro Assessment or Work Keys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants.
• Minimum of two years experience working with young children.
• Current authorization to work in the United States; candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
• Certification as a teacher.
• Fluency in one of BPS’s official languages (Spanish, Creole (Cape Verdean), Creole (Haitian), Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, or Somali).
• Experience working with students with special education needs.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, natural or protective hairstyle, military status, immigration status, English language proficiency, or any other factor prohibited by law in its programs and activities.

BPS does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias‑based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to work or learn. If you require an accommodation pursuant to the ADA for the application process, please contact the Accommodations Unit at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).