Paraeducator; Special Education Inclusion - Worcester East Middle School

Job Description

Job Title: Para educator (Special Education Inclusion)

Reports To: Principal or Designated Supervisor

Location: Worcester Public Schools, Worcester, Massachusetts

Position

Purpose:

This position provides assistance to classroom teachers and certified personnel to support instruction of all students, including those with emotional regulation and behavior challenges, mild to moderate to severe special needs, and general education. The role facilitates educational access for students with disabilities using sound judgment in accordance with the rules and regulations of Worcester Public Schools. Patience, perseverance, creativity, and a genuine desire to prepare all students for successful lives are essential.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist teachers by reviewing, correcting, and reinforcing lessons with individual and small groups in all content areas and activities defined in students’ IEPs or 504 plans.
• Support preparation, inventory, and maintenance of instructional materials and classroom learning aids.
• Provide personal care support for students, including lavatory routines, diapering, and lifting as needed.
• Supervise breakfast/lunch periods, assemblies, and clean work areas.
• Assist with clerical work such as recording attendance, cataloging, and filing instructional materials.
• Participate in weekly, monthly, and long‑range planning with teachers for instructional activities, field trips, and school‑wide events.
• Maintain open communication with teachers and administrators throughout the day.
• Maintain student confidentiality and uphold a harassment‑free environment.
• Supervise and support students in structured and unstructured activities across all environments.
• Create a warm and open atmosphere that encourages student growth.
• Support substitute teachers in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Implement district and school‑wide rules, policies, and individual behavior plans.
• Participate in professional development related to assessment administration and accommodations.
• Perform duties assigned within specialty areas, including special projects and grant programs.
• Complete duty work (lunch, recess, line, bus) as directed by the Principal, with equitable distribution of assignments.
• Complete non‑violent crisis intervention training within the first year of employment.
• Collect data in accordance with student learning goals and objectives.
• Implement behavior intervention plans to reduce problem behavior.
• Adhere to the district’s equal educational opportunity and non‑discrimination policies.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Completed 48 undergraduate college credits, or
  • Meeting or exceeding the State passing score of 464 on the Paraprofessional (Para Pro) Assessment or the Work Keys Assessment.

• Non‑violent crisis intervention training.
• Experience supporting students with special needs.
• Proficiency in Albanian, Arabic, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, an African language, or American Sign Language.

Work Year: 180 school days, 3 days of professional development, and 6 additional hours of staff meetings per year.

Work Day: 6 hours, plus a 30‑minute unpaid lunch.

Salary: Determined by the Educational Association of Worcester Para educator Bargaining Unit salary schedule. Secondary schools receive an additional 5% stipend.

Job : 5780111

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Starting Date: Aug 27, 2026

The Worcester Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Educational Institution and does not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or homelessness. The Worcester Public Schools provides equal access to employment and the full range of general, occupational, and vocational education programs.

• Carenza Jackson, Principal
• 420 Grafton Street
• Worcester, Massachusetts 01604
• Phone:
• Fax:
• Email: j