Paraeducator - Instructional Elementary Grades K-5

Release Date: May 19, 2026    Application Deadline:  June 2, 2026

Requisition: 12148

Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered.  Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources.

Position: Paraeducator - Instructional Elementary Grades K-5

Location: Benjamin Benneker Elementary School

Salary: The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 9. ($27,999 - $42,351)

Effective: August 2026

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Qualified applicants, including current employees of St. Mary's County Public Schools, must complete a TalentEd online application. In addition to the online application, any supporting documentation (unofficial transcript and/or copy of the certification, where applicable) must be scanned and uploaded to the TalentEd application. The online application and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, including information about the applicant’s background, experience, and professional qualifications. Failure to submit all required documentation will result in your application being considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection committee for review. All online applications must be completed no later than June 2, 2026. Following a screening of credentials, interviews will be scheduled. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with questions. (301-475-5511, ext. 32187) 

NATURE OF WORK:

The paraeducator will work under the direction of the classroom teacher to support the delivery of developmentally appropriate learning opportunities. The position is a ten-month position that has the responsibility to provide instructional support to students and support for teachers. The position will support the instructional needs of the classroom. The work is performed under the general direction of the classroom teacher and in collaboration with the school administration. The paraeducator may be assigned by the building principal or the principal’s designee to support any elementary grade level (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5), as needed.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community members
• Understand and maintain confidentiality in dealing with students, staff, and parents
• Ability to use technology effectively to complete tasks
• Ability to report to work daily and on time
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work under pressure
• Possess effective organizational skills
• Possess effective written and oral communication skills
• Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary’s County Public School System 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meets regularly with the teacher at a designated time for planning and evaluating student's progress
• Assists in developing learning activities with the teacher
• Assists in guiding students in working and playing with others
• Provides escort and assistance to students as necessary
• Assists in the supervision of students on trips and other school related activities;
• Prepares, under the direction of the teacher, appropriate learning activities, stations, and materials
• Reinforces learning activities with appropriate audio visual aids and other materials
• Assists teacher in maintaining neat and safe work and study areas
• Assists in activities planned for and with parents
• Supports as needed elementary grade levels K-Grade 5
• Attends workshops and in-service training sessions
• Performs other related and non-related job duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required: 

• High School Diploma or GED
• Forty-eight (48) semester college credits OR a passing score on one of the following Paraprofessional Assessments (documents must be uploaded in application):
• ParaPro – prior to August 2026
• ParaPathways -5757
• Foundations of Classroom Support – 517
• Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction - 519

Preferred

• Related college courses or training
• Experience working with children 

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

 Full-time ten-month position.

SALARY GRADE RANGE: The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 9.

BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY:  EASMC-ESP

Updated 7.2024, 5.2025, 04.2026

Salary : $27,999 - $42,351