Special Education Paraprofessional - Highland Elementary School

1:1 SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL - HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Westfield Public Schools, Highland Elementary School – Westfield, Massachusetts

Starting Date:
Aug 31, 2026

JOB GOAL:

To assist the teachers in achieving teaching objectives by working with individual students or small groups to provide them with the physical and emotional support needed to meet the program goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the student(s) to whom assigned with physical tasks such as putting on and taking off clothing, moving from room to room, using the lavatory, feeding, etc.
• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning of material or skills 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 intense emotional involvement.
• Assist with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips.
• Assist teacher in duties related 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

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 subject to funding.

Full-time

$18 to $28 Per Hour

Instructional Support >
Individual Aide

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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is generally conducted within the school building. Ability to travel throughout the building is necessary. The position involves sitting and moving from one place to another within the office. Work is moderate in nature with regular lifting of up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds with some pulling and pushing or reaching above or around desk and file drawers.

Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

• Erika Masciadrelli, Principal
• 34 Western Ave
• Westfield, Massachusetts 01085
• Phone:
• Email: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

It is our vision that every child that exits grade four from Highland will be academically and socially prepared for success in middle school.

• Provide a classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Provide professional development training for teachers to include current curriculum, instruction and assessment procedures.
• Provide the local community and parents the opportunity to become involved in children’s education at all levels.
• Provide curricular and extracurricular opportunities that will allow all students to be successful lifelong learners and will empower them to meet the needs of the 21st century.
• Provide an atmosphere of tolerance and respect for all members of the school community.