Intensive Instructional Paraprofessional; Special Education), Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA

Intensive Instructional Paraprofessional (Special Education), Salem Public Schools, Salem, MA [SY ]

Salem Public Schools is a district enrolling nearly 4,000 students in 10 schools. Our vision is to ensure that all students will be locally engaged, globally connected, and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world. We hold dear our core values of belonging, equity, and opportunity in everything we do.

Paraprofessionals will assist teachers and other certified personnel in providing an innovative, high‑quality education program designed to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities in Salem Public Schools. The role is district‑wide and subject to the negotiated Paraprofessional Contract and district policies.

• Demonstrate an understanding of assigned students’ profiles and learning needs, read IEPs, and engage in related professional development.
• Support and collaborate with general education and special education teachers on an ongoing basis.
• Reinforce lessons with individual or small groups of students.
• Assist with classroom management and supervision.
• Administer behavior modification programs/point systems, including data collection and discrete trials under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Assist teachers in implementing accommodations and specialized strategies for instruction and skill reinforcement.
• Cover classroom during teacher absence.
• Facilitate play and social interactions and model language between peers.
• Escort and assist students as needed throughout the building, during community‑based experiences, lunch, recess, and on/off the bus.
• Follow supervisor direction and assure safety of students at all times.
• Assist students in acclimating to technology and personal learning devices to enable them to access remote instruction.
• Other duties as prescribed by building administrative staff and the Special Education Executive Director, as described within the Paraprofessional contract.
• Attend district and building professional development and training.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 48 credit hours of college coursework, an Associate’s degree, or a passing score on the Para Pro Assessment or Work Keys.
• Safety‑Care trained or willing to be trained (training provided by the district).
• Minimum of one year experience working with elementary‑aged children.
• Experience with ABA techniques advantageous; training provided.
• Second language (Spanish and/or Portuguese) proficiency a plus.
• Bilingual candidates and candidates of color strongly encouraged to apply.
• Current authorization to work in the United States.
• Physically capable of and willing to engage in restraint, bending, and lifting as required to meet unique student needs.
• Assist in toileting and activity of daily living (ADL) skills, if needed and as determined by student need.
• Safety Care trained or willing to be trained (training provided by the district).

Salary is determined by the Paraprofessional and School Related Personnel collective bargaining agreement and is paid on the Tier 3 salary schedule. The position pays $32.08 to $34.08 per hour.

The City of Salem offers Group Insurance Commission (GIC) benefits to all full‑time employees.

Salem Public School District 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, housing status, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. The district also prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

• HR Manager
• Collins Middle School
• 29 Highland Avenue
• Salem, Massachusetts 01970
• Phone: 978‑740‑1115
• Email:
  Human Resources