Paraeducator, Hiawatha Elementary School (Grades K-2)

Paraeducator (Mainstream Instructional Assistant)Essex Westford School District (EWSD) is seeking a full-time Paraeducator (Mainstream Instructional Assistant) to support students in grades K-2 at Hiawatha Elementary School for the remainder of the 2026-27 school year.This is a temporary position through the end of the school year. We anticipate having Mainstream IA positions available for the following school year and, if you are interested in returning, will consider the selected candidate for rehire as positions become available.Paraeducators play an important role in helping students access learning, participate in the school community, and build independence in an inclusive classroom environment. Working alongside classroom teachers and support staff, paraeducators provide academic, behavioral, and other student support based on individual needs. Within EWSD, this position is also known as a Mainstream Instructional Assistant (Mainstream IA).This position is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with children, building positive relationships, and being part of a collaborative school team.What You'll DoSupport Learning: Assist students with classroom activities and academic tasks, implement IEP-driven instructional strategies, and adapt or modify materials in collaboration with teachers.Support Student Success: Implement student-specific support and behavior plans, encourage positive peer interactions, and help students develop independence and successful school routines.Provide Physical & Personal Care Support: Assist students with mobility, positioning, personal care, and other health-related needs as appropriate.Collect & Track Data: Accurately collect and document information related to student academic performance, behavior, and progress. Assist with informal assessments and monitoring of student goals.Supervise Students: Provide support and supervision throughout the school day, including classroom activities, lunch, recess, arrival, dismissal, and other instructional or non-instructional settings.Collaborate as a Team: Work closely with teachers and other school staff to provide consistent support and contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.Compensation & BenefitsPay: $23.51+ per hour, based on experienceEWSD offers excellent benefits, including:Generous paid time offPaid school vacation days — full-time school-year employees receive five paid school vacation days each school year, increasing to eight paid days beginning in the 2027–28 school yearMedical and dental insuranceLife insuranceTuition reimbursementRetirement plan with up to a 6% employer contributionWhat We're Looking ForRequired QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalentExperience working with elementary-age childrenAbility to follow directions and implement educational and behavior programsAbility to accurately collect data and maintain confidentialityPhysical capacity to support student mobility, positioning, and care needsStrong communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to work collaboratively as part of a school teamAbility to support students with a variety of academic, behavioral, physical, and personal care needsPreferred QualificationsAssociate's degree or two years of college courseworkPrevious experience working with children in an educational or support settingTraining or experience in special education, behavior support, or inclusive practicesFamiliarity with IEP implementation and data collection proceduresOur district vision is: "Growing hearts and minds, for a better today and tomorrow: every day, every way, every one."EWSD is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Successful candidates must be committed to working effectively with diverse community populations and are expected to strengthen such capacity if hired. Candidates with experience working in another country, the ability to speak more than one language fluently, and/or Peace Corps experience are encouraged to apply to help contribute to a diversity of thinking and grow our organizational practices.EWSD conducts thorough screenings of all applicants being recommended for hire, which may include contacting references not listed on your application. Selected individuals are subject to criminal records background checks and child and adult abuse registry checks. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon acceptable results of these checks at the sole discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Please click HERE for additional background check information.