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SY19-20 Chestnut TAG - Instructional Paraprofessional (LINKS)

Employer
Springfield Public Schools
Location
Springfield, MA, US
Salary
Based on collective bargaining unit salary schedule

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SY19-20 Chestnut TAG nstructional Paraprofessional (LINKS)

Grade Level: 6-8

Start Date: August 2019

Location: Chestnut TAG

Are you looking to be part of a school community where teachers learn and are energized by their work? Are you looking for a Principal who is hugely invested in the development and fulfillment of the teachers? Do you want to be part of a school with a growth mindset about its students' unlimited potential? Chestnut Middle School, Talented & Gifted is a unique school; unlike any school in the region. Our school is a blended community of high achieving traditional education students working side by side with their gifted Special Education peers; all who thrive within a supportive culture of academic excellence.

At T.A.G. we ask a lot of our students and staff, and yet we believe that school should be a joyful place where students and staff look forward to coming to school every day. As educators we believe that relationships with our students are the foundation on which all social and academic success is built. We also believe that engaging in quality professional development and discussions about issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion are critically important to our ability to champion our students. We strengthen our practice through five hours of professional learning per week, which is built within our 7:20-3:20 school day, in addition to teacher prep time every day. Collaboration and peer-to-peer learning are central to our growth as educators.

As a small school (of only 340 students) we are able to meet the individual needs of every student. Without a doubt, we know our students well and we are invested in their individual and collective success. Our students outperform most of their peers statewide and yet their unique personalities, hard work and perseverance are what make them truly Talented and Gifted. If you are up for the challenge, join our team!

This position is available in a substantially separate special education program classroom where methodology and best practices will be provided to support students with Autism, aligned with the goals and objectives outlined in the individual student IEPs. The special education paraprofessional is responsible for supporting the classroom Teacher inan effort to support student learning. Focus of instruction will include functional spontaneous communication, social skills, plays skills, cognitive development, and functional academic skills, along with proactive strategies to decrease challenging behaviors as well as incorporating a multisensory approach to learning. Adult assistance, repetition and reinforcement will be the focus in order to promote success in the independent completion of tasks. Structured, consistent, and systematic approaches to learning will be utilized. Applied Behavioral Analysis approaches, including discrete trial training, incidental teaching, and pivotal response training are teaching methodologies utilized in the LINKS classrooms.

To learn more about our school and view a video with student and staff voice, visit us at https://www.chestnuttag.com

Summary and Overview

In 2015, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Springfield Public Schools partnered to form the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP). SEZP is committed to ensuring that the nine middle schools in "The Zone" are engaging environments where teachers receive the supports they need to grow professionally, and students have the opportunity to acquire the academic and personal skills to succeed in the college or career of their choice.

Each SEZP school has the autonomy to craft and implement its own, unique vision for success and receives support from an ecosystem of national-caliber partners. Furthermore, Teacher Leadership Teams at each school ensure that teacher voice is heard and that there is strong communication between school administration and staff.

SEZP is seeking educators who are excited to work in a collaborative, engaging, diverse, and high energy environment. Great professional development, ample teacher leadership opportunities and competitive salary and benefits make SEZP a great place to be a teacher.

Teach

Broaden your impact and become a part of rebuilding an urban school district where you'll receive ongoing support to help you and your students reach your full potential.

Serve a diverse population of urban high-need students.

Teach in small autonomous learning communities - many SEZP schools are creating intimate, personalized environments for their students.

Grow

Access to professional development resources through colleagues at your school and a network of SEZP partners.

Teacher leadership opportunities - many SEZP schools are creating opportunities for effective and experienced teachers to take on leadership roles and increased levels of responsibility without having to leave the classroom.

Receive a competitive salary and benefits.

Paraprofessionals provide assistance to teachers and other school personnel in the delivery of quality education and support services for students in an array of classroom settings. Examples of support services and educational settings include, but are not limited to: life skills, developmental classrooms, social, emotional, & behavioral support (SEBS), LINKS (Autism) program, visual or mobility orientation, language learning delays and medical care.

In addition, the Collective Bargaining Agreement contains language in Article V - Working Conditions - J. Diapering/Toileting indicating that paraprofessionals hired after ratification (April 16, 1998) are hired with Diapering/Toileting/Toilet Training services as part of their job requirement. Please read this Section of your contract carefully to insure that you clearly understand this condition of your employment as a paraprofessional. The Springfield Public Schools will be requiring you to sign a Statement of Agreement in this matter and will review this with you prior to you beginning your employment position.

This position is responsible for providing instructional assistance, classroom support, and implementation of effective classroom strategies and procedures under the direction of classroom teachers and/or other school personnel. A high level of professionalism and ethical behavior is expected consistent with the job duties and responsibilities of a paraprofessional.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required
qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED, and

• Associate of Arts or Science Degree or higher, or

• 60 undergraduate college credits, or

• Meeting or exceeding the State mandated score on the Paraprofessional Assessment or Work Keys Assessment

Preferred
Qualifications:

• BA Degree with Educator Licensure

• Experience working with special education students in education settings

**A passing score on the Work Keys Exams in the following areas:

• Reading: 5

• Math: 4

• Writing: 3



Primary Location: Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle School
Salary Range: Based on collective bargaining unit salary schedule
Shift Type: FT - Full Year

Job Contact Information:

Name: Declan O'Connor
Title: Principal
Phone:
Email: oconnord@springfieldpublicschools.com

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