Instructional Aide SCALE​/Tobin

Position:
Instructional Aide SCALE (7 hours/11 months)

Office of Student Services / Tobin Montessori School

The aim of Montessori education is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive scholars who are lifelong learners and problem solvers. Montessori classrooms are equipped with a diverse set of materials, which are designed to foster physical, intellectual, creative, and social independence. The classroom atmosphere encourages social interaction for cooperative learning, peer teaching, and emotional development. Learning occurs in an inquiring, cooperative, nurturing atmosphere, where students increase their own knowledge through self-initiated experiences under the guidance of trained adults.

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 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 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.

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.