Paraeducator, Instructional Candidate Pool

DESCRIPTION 

Under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal, and with direct guidance from licensed teachers and specialists, the Instructional Paraeducator provides hands-on support to students individually or in small groups throughout the school day. This role focuses on helping students with academic, behavioral, and language skills, including those with disabilities and multilingual learners. The paraeducator follows students’ special plans such as IEPs and 504 Plans, works with the instructional team, participates in planning, and tracks student progress. By providing individualized support, this position helps ensure all students have equitable opportunities to succeed and align with HCPSS’s mission to offer inclusive, effective learning for every learner.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. 

Education: 

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent 

Additional Requirements for Title I Schoolwide Program Schools   

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent and a passing score on the ParaPro.   

or   

• 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university.   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

• Experience working with students in a PK-12 setting.    

• One (1) year of experience working with children with disabilities.   

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university   

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Provides direct instructional support to individual students and small groups under the guidance of licensed teachers. (40%) 

• Supports multilingual learners and students with disabilities in accessing grade-level curriculum using scaffolding and instructional strategies aligned to lesson objectives. (20%) 

• Implements teacher-designed supplemental instruction and interventions aligned with MTSS Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports, including documentation of student progress and intervention responses. (15%) 

• Assists in delivering academic and behavioral interventions developed by the instructional team.  (15%) 

• Ensures student safety across diverse environments—including classrooms, lunch time, and field trips—by providing active supervision, instructional reinforcement, and essential personal care such as lifting, positioning, and hygiene assistance.  (10%)   

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

Knowledge  

• Pedagogical Basics: Knowledge of fundamental instructional methods and how to deliver content to small groups or individuals.  

• MTSS Framework: Understanding the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), specifically the differences between Tier 1 (universal), Tier 2 (targeted), and Tier 3 (intensive) interventions.  

• Inclusion Strategies: Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and scaffolding techniques to support multilingual learners and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  

• Behavioral Principles: Familiarity with basic behavioral intervention strategies and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).  

• Safety & Hygiene Protocols: Knowledge of safe lifting techniques, body mechanics for positioning students, and standard precautions for hygiene and personal care.  

Skills  

• Instructional Scaffolding: Skill in modifying complex tasks into manageable steps to help students reach lesson objectives.  

• Data Collection & Documentation: Proficiency in accurately recording student progress, tracking intervention responses, and maintaining detailed logs for the instructional team.  

• Physical Assistance: Skill in providing essential personal care, including the safe manual handling, lifting, and positioning of students with physical disabilities.  

• Active Supervision: The ability to scan and monitor diverse environments (cafeterias, playgrounds, field trips) to preemptively identify safety risks.  

• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with licensed teachers and the broader instructional team.  

Abilities  

• Adaptability: Ability to pivot instructional delivery based on real-time student needs and teacher guidance.  

• Empathy & Patience: Ability to work supportively with students who face academic, linguistic, or physical challenges.  

• Physical Stamina: Ability to remain on one's feet for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting or assisting with hygiene.  

• Collaborative Mindset: Ability to follow the lead of licensed professionals while contributing observations to the instructional team.  

• Situational Awareness: Ability to maintain a high level of alertness to ensure student safety in unstructured environments like lunchrooms or off-site trips.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Working Environment 

• School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor settings under a variety of weather conditions.   

• Exposure to high pitched/louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, students with more challenging behavior, etc.   

• May be required to assist students exhibiting challenging behaviors including implementing a continuum of positive behavior supports.    

• May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students.   

Physical Requirements 

• Position requires physical assistance to students including lifting, positioning, and transfers following safety protocols. 

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education. 

Working Hours 

• The duty day for this position is 7.5 hours including a thirty-minute duty-free lunch.