Instructional Aide SCALE​/Haggerty​/OSS

Overview

Position:
Instructional Aide SCALE (7.5 hours/11 months)

Office of Student Services/Haggerty School

Haggerty School Community:
Our school motto, “Everyone is Different, Everyone Belongs” is the foundation of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We believe that all students can achieve at high levels and that, in order to do so, students and families from historically marginalized groups may need more. The Haggerty Staff is actively engaged in racial equity work, including conversations about the impact of racism, implicit bias, the dominant culture, and white privilege on our individual and collective work.

We are a “work in progress” as we look to make change, and we are seeking candidates who will join us willingly in this crucial endeavor for the success of all students.

At Haggerty, we believe that learning unfolds when we provide conditions in which children can explore, inquire, and shape their own understandings. The school values the culture and beliefs that each child brings to the classroom, and teachers believe that children must engage with their world in order to make sense of it and build their knowledge. Each student is expected to take responsibility for his/her own learning while collaborating, supporting, and respecting others.

We are committed to relationships and rapport being foundational to the conditions needed for successful collegiality, caregiver participation, and student success.

The Office of Student Services:
The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of supports and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). Our programs are dedicated to ensuring equitable access and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs.

SCALE Program: SCALE stands for Social, Communication, Academic, and Life Skills Education. It is an eleven-month substantially separate program for scholars who require intensive, specially designed instruction in any or all of these areas in a specialized classroom setting. A majority of our scholars are on the Autism Spectrum; however, we provide services to students with a range of disabilities. We serve students throughout elementary, middle, and high school and also have a Post Graduate Program for young adults aged 18-22 who continue to qualify for special education services.

The Opportunity:

The instructional aide paraprofessional reports to and is supervised by the special educator. They are primarily responsible for assisting in the implementation of each student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

• Assist with instruction for students with disabilities
• Supervise students with disabilities during non-instructional activities
• Supervise students during transitions
• Collaborate with general education, special education, and related services staff
• Accommodate and modify for student learning and support the general education teacher with the implementation of appropriate accommodations in the general education setting
• Perform related duties as may be designated by the special educator or supervisor
• Toileting of students is a duty that an individual may be expected and required to perform as a paraprofessional employed by the Cambridge Public Schools

• Above average skills in collaboration
• Excellent skills in oral communication
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve
• Experience working with students in urban environments
• Must be energetic, enthusiastic, patient, and flexible
• Assist in addressing the physical, educational, and social-emotional needs of the students
• Willingness to be trained in de-escalation and safe physical restraint techniques
• Must have the physical ability to work on the floor and move around the room to support students and teachers in curriculum implementation, use of manipulatives, and other instructional methods and materials

Associates degree or 48 college credits from an accredited college or university preferred. Previous Montessori training or experience preferred

Apply online . Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.