Para Educator Special Needs

About the Employer

Job Title (for context): special education para

Job Description

Position: Special Education Para

Location: District

Reports to: Principal and/or Designee/ Director of Student Services

School Year: 2026-2027

Job Description

The building-based Special Education Paraprofessional supports students with disabilities, including assisting with academic instruction, behavioral support, and personal care needs, as well as helping to implement IEPs.

Education, Training, and Experience

High school or general equivalency diploma.

Meet one of the following three requirements:

Completed at least two years (48 credits) of study at an institution of higher education;

Obtained an associate’s degree or higher;

Met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate through a formal state or local academic assessment: knowledge and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or reading, writing, and mathematics readiness.

Successful completion of a Teacher Assistant Training Program or its equivalent approved by the RI Department of Education (RIDE) and other requirements as promulgated by RIDE.

Required stamina, enthusiasm, and ability to work directly with students, including, but not limited to, lifting, transferring, and restraining.

Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and professionals concerning the progress and needs of the students.

Demonstrated ability to perform the responsibilities below as evidenced by educational and work-related experiences, previous employment, and the interview process.

Bilingual preferred.

Additional training may be required if deemed necessary for the position, including, but not limited to, positions involving students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Any such alternatives to the above qualifications as the committee may deem acceptable and appropriate.

Responsibilities

Assists the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of the individual student’s needs, interests, and abilities.

Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and other activities.

Helps students master equipment or instructional materials assigned by the teacher.

Assists with personal health needs (may include, but not limited to, toileting, feeding, dressing) as required.

Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected for all staff.

Provides clerical assistance to the teacher for required reports.

Performs other duties as may be assigned by the administrator.

Physical/Mental Requirements

Walking, jumping, running, balancing, climbing, crawling, standing, turning, stooping, crouching, kneeling, sitting, reaching, lifting, carrying, throwing, pushing, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, color vision, depth perception, pulling, and grasping.

Terms of Employment

In accordance with the Local 841 Contract - Para-Educators Appendix C. 32.5 hours per week.

� hour unpaid lunch.

10-month position

Location

PELL Elementary

Thompson Middle School

Rogers High School

NACTC

Hours

PELL Elementary: 8:30am-3:30pm

Thompson Middle School: 7:45am-2:45pm

Rogers High School: 7:15am-2:15pm

NACTC: 7:15am-2:15pm

Applications

Applicants apply through www.npsri.schoolspring.com

Applicants are not to approach members of the Newport School Committee. Individual contact between applicants and school committee members may constitute grounds for disqualifying an application.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Providing students opportunities and access to the world through quality education

Affirmative action/equal opportunity employer

The Newport School Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, color, disability or veteran status.