ParaEducator: Special Education - Central Special Education - Shaping Young Minds in Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Unlock Your Potential as a ParaEducator in Special Education

Join the Anne Arundel County Public Schools team as a ParaEducator: Special Education - Central Special Education, and be part of a dynamic community that is dedicated to fostering a love of learning and supporting students with diverse needs. As a ParaEducator, you will play a vital role in assisting teachers and service providers in delivering high-quality instruction and care to students with disabilities, helping them to achieve their full potential.

About Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Anne Arundel County Public Schools is a leading educational institution in Maryland, committed to providing a world-class education to students from diverse backgrounds. With a strong focus on innovation, equity, and inclusivity, AACPS is dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.

Key Responsibilities

• Implements instructional plans and activities as designated by teachers and service providers, including demonstration of tasks and skills, and reinforcement of student engagement.
• Works with students in reading, literacy tasks, computations, writing, project learning activities, and other modified curriculum tasks, using a range of teaching aids and technologies to promote student access and learning.
• Demonstrates an understanding of alternate curriculum standards and their alignment to Essential Elements and Alternate Assessments for ELA, Math, and Science.
• Reinforces subjects, concepts, and skills initially introduced by teachers and service providers, employing awareness of different learning strategies to adapt them to maximize student experience.
• Monitors students engaged in independent work or similar activities, observes and gathers assessment data on student progress, and confers with teachers and other professional staff to discuss data trends and individual student needs.
• Assists in formulating and conducting classroom activities, preparing materials, and setting up equipment, and guides students as they transition throughout school buildings and community-based instruction.
• Assists in behavioral management and discipline of students, including crisis intervention as necessary, and complies with medical protocols, including feeding, swallowing, and responding to medically-based events.
• Maintains knowledge of relevant policies and procedures, engages in professional development opportunities to learn new skills and gain knowledge, and performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate.
• Certificated ParaEducator status through successful completion of the ParaPro assessment or post-secondary education in accordance with the requirements of Title I as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
• Appropriate training for specialized care needs, such as medical conditions, seizures, and disruptive behavior, as provided by the Board of Education workshops and in-service trainings.
• One (1) year of experience working with children in an educational setting.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• The ability to work collaboratively and professionally to support the efforts of teachers and service providers.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college-level courses in child development with specific applications to special education or a related field.
• Experience working with students with diverse needs and abilities.
• Knowledge of assistive and instructional technologies.

What We Offer

As a ParaEducator with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, you will enjoy:

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including training and certification programs.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equity.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.

Career Advancement Opportunities

We offer a clear career ladder with opportunities for advancement to higher grades, based on experience, education, and performance. As you grow in your role, you can develop new skills, take on additional responsibilities, and advance your career.

Requirements for Career Advancement

• Two (2) additional years of successful experience working with students in structured, instructional situations.
• Successful completion of 16 credit hours of appropriate training for specialized care needs.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with assistive and instructional technologies.
• Successful completion of thirty (30) credit hours of post-secondary education, including nine (9) credit hours related to special education.

Join Our Team!

If you are a dedicated and passionate individual who is committed to making a difference in the lives of students with diverse needs, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a ParaEducator: Special Education - Central Special Education, you will be part of a dynamic team that is shaping young minds and fostering a love of learning. Apply today and join our community of educators who are dedicated to excellence, equity, and inclusivity.

Location: Anne Arundel County, MD

Salary Range: Please refer to the Unit IV salary scale online at www.aacps.org

Shift Type: 1.00 FTE

Days Worked: 191

Hours Worked: 7

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!