Special Education Paraprofessional- Paper Mill

Westfield Public Schools Paper Mill Elementary School - Westfield, Massachusetts

Starting Date: Immediately

Seeking qualified applicants for the following

JOB GOAL: To assist the teachers achieve teaching objectives by working with individual students or small groups in an effort to provide them with the physical and emotional support needed to meet the program goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the student(s) to whom assigned in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off clothing, moving from room to room, using the lavatory, feeding and so on.
• Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher.
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests or abilities.
• Establish a supportive and sympathetic relationship with the student(s) without fostering or encouraging intense emotional involvement.
• Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips.
• Assist teacher in duties relating to the supervision of playground, lavatories, cafeteria, and bus loading activities.
• Assist with lunch, snack, and clean‑up routines.
• Participate in in‑service training programs.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

REPORTS TO: Teacher/Special Education Supervisor and Building Principal

The terms of employment and salary schedule will be commensurate with the Westfield Public Schools Unit D contract.

Performance in this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Westfield School Committee policy on evaluation.

This position is subject to funding.

Position Type: Full‑time

Job Categories: Instructional Support >
Individual Aide

Paper Mill Elementary School is one of the newest and largest elementary schools in the city, educating more than 330 students in grades K‑4. Nestled among playing fields and residential neighborhoods, it is adjacent to the park on Papermill Road in the northeast corner of the city. Our school community is strong, bridging the home‑school connection to allow students to reach their fullest potential.

Students practice character traits such as honesty, respect, and responsibility. Through a program of character education the social curriculum is joined with the academic to support the development of the whole child. The Westfield Public School curriculum is challenging, and our teachers are dedicated to meeting the needs of all learners through differentiation of instruction. By holding students to high standards and providing opportunities for enrichment, we prepare them for success as they meet the challenges of their school years and beyond.

• QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher; or 48 credit hours from a higher education institution; or passage of the Para Pro or Work Keys assessment.
  • Demonstrated interest in children and education.
  • Evidence of the emotional maturity and stability necessary for the specialized work involved.
  • Ability to communicate and work successfully with staff and students.
  • Some positions may require diapering, toileting, lifting and/or feeding. Please inquire at interview.
• ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is generally conducted within the school building. Ability to travel throughout the building is necessary. The position involves sitting and the ability to travel from one place to another within the office. Work is moderate in nature with regular lifting of up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds with some pulling and pushing or reaching above.
  
  Frequent use of hands to operate keyboards and telephones and other office equipment. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

The employer requires all applicants to answer the following questions. It is recommended that you type any essays in a word processing program, save them, and then paste them on the proceeding job application page.

• 1. Please explain how your past personal and professional experience make you a quality candidate for the position for which you are applying. (Short Essay Answer limited to 600 characters, including spaces)
• 2. Describe the impact you expect a 1:1 paraprofessional to have on a student. (Short Essay Answer limited to 600 characters, including spaces)

• Michael Atkins, Principal
• 148 Paper Mill Road
• Westfield, Massachusetts 01085
• Phone: 413‑572‑6519
• Fax: 413‑572‑0687
• Email: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).