Special Education Paraeducator; biweekly

Special Education Para educator (49 hours biweekly)

Reading Public Schools – Alice M. Barrows Elementary School, Reading, Massachusetts

Starting Date: Immediately

Salary: $25.38 to $32.43

Reading Public Schools is a vibrant and inclusive educational community dedicated to providing exceptional learning experiences for all students. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Special Education Para educator to support students with disabilities, working under the guidance of special education teachers and staff.

• Assist teachers and specialists in accommodating/modifying lessons and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
• Provide academic and behavioral support to students both inside and outside the classroom.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, nurses, and other professionals to create and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Promote a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere, fostering social and emotional growth while ensuring personal and group safety.
• Supervise and assist students with daily tasks and activities, including mobility, transitions, hygiene, self‑care, self‑regulation, and communication.
• Collect accurate data to maintain student progress records and communicate with the collaborative educational team on a consistent basis.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma and/or related work experience.

• Prior experience working with students with disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Patience, empathy, and genuine passion for working with students with diverse needs.
• Ability to follow directions, work independently, and adapt to changing situations.
• Completion of trainings as required (e.g., CPR, first aid, restraint).

• Frequent movement throughout the school building.
• Normal school environment with acceptable noise levels.
• Interaction with students, parents, and staff, occasionally juggling multiple demands.
• Work in a classroom with ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, bend, or twist.
• Frequent use of hands for tasks requiring hand strength to grasp tools.
• Occasional lifting or positioning of students.
• Occasional operation of office machinery and computers and ability to input information into a computer and read printed or digital material.
• Potential exposure to unpredictable behavior.
• Continuous ability to see and hear for student safety and frequent speaking for instruction.
• Rare occasions of quick movement on various surfaces.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Majority of work day spent indoors.
• Occasional outdoor activities such as recess, fire drills, and special events.

• CORI, Criminal.

Reading Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

• Alissa Gallegos, Principal
• Alice M. Barrows Elementary School
• Email: alissa.gallegos.ma.us