Instructional Aide​/Morse​/OSS

Position:
Instructional Aide (7 hr/10 months)

Morse School/Office of Student Services

The Morse School serves children and families from every Cambridge neighborhood and from over 40 different countries. At the Morse School, we nurture not only our children’s curiosity and intellectual skills, but also their healthy social and emotional development. Morse School families, teachers, and staff members work together to foster a sense of safety and belonging and to support students in developing a sense of civic responsibility and an appreciation for people with different origins, identities, beliefs, and learning styles.

We strive to promote a sense of community where all adults and children feel respected and appreciated. The Morse School follows an inclusion model, with English learners and students with moderate disabilities learning alongside their general education peers with support from special educators, ESL teachers, related service providers, and interventionists.

We are actively working towards becoming an antiracist school, and are taking steps towards identifying and dismantling racist structures, hearing and elevating underrepresented voices, and striving to achieve an equitable and just educational experience for all students.

The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of support 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.

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).

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide assistance 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

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.