Paraprofessionals - Special Ed Programs

The vision of each of the Fitchburg Public Schools is to provide learning experiences that engage all students in achieving high academic standards while developing intellectual rigor, creative interest, and social characteristics that prepare them for the challenges of living successfully and productively as citizens of this new century.

Job Details:

Paraprofessionals will assist teachers in providing an innovative, high-quality education program designed to meet the needs of the children in the Fitchburg Public Schools.

Paraprofessionals will work with school staff to create an educational environment in which quality and continuity are key factors in educating the students of the Fitchburg Public Schools.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Meets or exceeds Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I Paraprofessionals Hiring Requirements;

• Have obtained an associate (or higher) degree, or;
• Have at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 credit hours from an accredited higher education institution, or;
• Have met a rigorous standard on one of the formal Massachusetts-endorsed Assessments: Parapro or WorkKeys;

• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents, and advocate for children to effectively problem solve;

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders;

• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student;

• Bilingual in a language other than English, preferred. Spanish is the most common language other than English in FPS; other languages may include, but are not limited to, Portuguese, Hmong, Haitian Creole, Arabic, etc. 

• Strong desire to work with students and families in an urban setting;

• Ability to lift to 20 lbs/bend often, and walk;

• Knowledge of the education, development, and instructional support of children; 

• Experience working with students with special needs is preferred.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The Paraprofessional will: 

• Assist special needs students with or without disabilities
• Assist the classroom teacher in the implementation of academic /social/behavioral needs.
• Ensure the safety of students across all settings of the school day
• Assignments: program/classroom para OR 1:1 individual para and other duties as assigned by the administration
• Under the guidance of the classroom teacher will use innovative approaches and instructional strategies, including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn
• Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues
• Attend and participate in meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy/CBA
• Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification, ex, SafetyCare, Alice Training, etc. 
• Maintain accurate and complete records as required by district policy and administrative regulation
• Support teachers and administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, supports rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and/or second language learners
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the building principal/SPSA/assistant principal

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Reports to:        Principal/SPSA

Evaluated by:    Principal/SPSA

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year: 

185 days per year (includes 3 paid Professional Development days & 3 paid Holidays)

As negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Education Association (FEA).

Special Education Program Paraprofessionals may earn +$2.60 per hour, for additional duties. Toileting and ABA duties are eligible for up to an additional $1.30 per hour.

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg; www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits. 

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment. 

Notice of Non Discrimination
The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.
Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us