Paraeducator - Mainstream Instructional Assistant (Temporary)

Essex Westford School District (EWSD) is seeking full-time Mainstream Instructional Assistants for grades 6-8. We have an opening at Albert D. Lawton Middle School for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. The Mainstream Instructional Assistant supports students with academic, behavioral, and physical needs in inclusive classroom settings. Responsibilities include adapting instructional materials, implementing student-specific support plans, assisting with personal care, collecting data on student progress, implementing behavior plans and supervising students throughout the school day. The assistant works closely with teachers and support staff to promote student success and contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment. This is a temporary position for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year, with the potential for renewal.

Pay: $22.43 based on experience

EWSD offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off, medical, and dental insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan with up to 6% employer contribution.

Primary job duties include but are not limited to, the following:

• Instructional Support: Assist students with academic tasks, implement IEP-driven instructional strategies, and adapt classroom materials in collaboration with teachers.

• Behavioral and Physical Support: Support students’ behavioral plans, facilitate inclusive peer interactions, and provide assistance with mobility, personal care, and health needs.

• Data and Assessment: Collect and record data on student performance and behavior, assist with informal assessments, and participate in evaluating student progress.

• Student Supervision: Monitor and support students during instructional and non-instructional times, including lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal, and teacher absences.

We are seeking folks with the following qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Ability to follow directions, implement educational and behavior programs, and support students with a variety of needs

• Ability to collect data accurately and maintain confidentiality

• Experience with children in the elementary ages

• Physical capacity to support student mobility, positioning, and care needs

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree or two years of college coursework

• Previous experience working with children in an educational or support role

• Training or experience in special education, behavior support, or inclusive practices

• Familiarity with IEP implementation and data collection procedures

For additional information, CLICK HERE for a copy of the full job description.

Our 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.

Salary : $22 - $24