Instructional Aide Paraprofessional (7 hr/10 mo), Peabody School

Position: Instructional Aide (7 hours per day/10 months)

Office of Student Services/Peabody School

Peabody School Community: 

The Peabody School is an inclusive community united by a shared passion for academic excellence and a commitment to the arts. Community is a valued aspect at the Peabody School. In addition to the daily morning meeting, our monthly “All School Share” provides a platform for each grade level to come together and share what’s happening in their respective classrooms. Our weekly newsletter, The Peabody Planet, serves as a vital communication channel for our families. We are especially proud of our music programs at Peabody. Our school was the first in CPS to implement a Kodaly music program, and we embrace the Kodaly philosophy that “Music is for everyone.” In addition to extra music classes during the week, students who especially love music are also welcome to join our before-school music group, The Early Bird Singers. Our annual cultural night, which takes place in October, celebrates the diversity of our community, and our 4th and 5th grade Spanish offerings support our students in exploring additional languages. Boston Magazine has recognized Peabody on its list of the 100 best public elementary schools in Eastern Massachusetts. Learning continues beyond the school day through extracurricular opportunities such as BOKS - Build Our Kids Success, Enviro-Ed, Math Olympiad, curriculum-linked learning clubs, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Peabody families are vital to our school community. Our active Friends of Peabody organization sponsors various enrichment events, including author visits, anti-bullying presentations, and educational trips.

The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of supports and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). Our programs are dedicated to ensuring equitable access  and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs.

The Opportunity:

The instructional aide paraprofessional reports to and is supervised by the special educator. They are primarily responsible for assisting in the implementation of each student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Key responsibilities include:

• Provide assistance with instruction for students with disabilities 
• Supervise students with disabilities during non-instructional activities
• Supervise students during transitions 
• Collaborate with general education, special education, and related services staff
• Accommodate and modify for student learning and support the general education teacher with the implementation of appropriate accommodations in the general education setting
• Perform related duties as may be designated by the special educator or supervisor
• Toileting of students is a duty that an individual may be expected and required to perform as a paraprofessional employed by the Cambridge Public Schools

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Instructional Aide, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Above average skills in collaboration
• Excellent skills in oral communication
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve
• Experience working with students in urban environments
• Must be energetic, enthusiastic, patient, and flexible
• Assist in addressing the physical, educational, and social-emotional needs of the students
• Willingness to be trained in de-escalation and safe physical restraint techniques
• Must have the physical ability to work on the floor and move around the room to support students and teachers in curriculum implementation, use of manipulatives, and other instructional methods and materials
• Associates degree, or 48 college credits from an accredited college or university

How to Join Our Team: 

Apply online at www.cpsd.us. Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.