Educational Paraprofessional Paraprofessional

Job Description:

The Norwich Free Academy is seeking a paraprofessional for the 2026-2027 school year - this is a one year position. The paraprofessional assist the classroom teacher in supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those with physical, mental, and intellectual challenges. The role involves helping students develop skills that enhance their learning experiences and contribute to their overall growth, while setting high expectations and fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Provide assistance to students under the supervision of special education or regular education teachers.
• Ability to work with special education students in a classroom setting and ability to follow teachers and related staff instructions in regard to work modifications and behavior plans.
• Strong behavioral management skills.
• Ability to present material in a clear and effective manner.
• Ability to help organize content area information.
• Ensure the safety of students.
• Maintain the strictest confidence concerning personnel, students, and operational concerns of the Academy.
• Report all cases of suspected child abuse to appropriate school personnel and proper government authority.
• Assist students with physical/and or educational needs both individually and in small groups.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and about students needs and requirements including IEP goals.
• Assist students with classwork.
• Assist with supervision, restroom breaks, emergency drills, assemblies, field trips etc.
• Provide escort and mobility assistance to students(s) when necessary.
• Provide toileting and feeding assistance to students as necessary.
• Acts as expert classroom support to substitute in absence of teacher.
• Interact in a positive manner with staff, students and parents.
• Attend meetings and professional development as required (all paras will participate in state required training next year).
• Performing other duties as assigned by administration.

Professional Practices and Expectations:

• Respond to questions and requests in an appropriate and timely manner
• Assist in preparing classroom materials
• Interact in a cooperative and professional manner with students, parents, and school personnel.
• Works cooperatively with all school personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher and/or administration.
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Organizational and problem-solving skills.

Working Conditions:

• Regular requirement to sit, stand, walk, read, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, climb and stoop.
• Frequent interruption of duties by staff, students, visitors, and/or telephone.
• Frequent sitting, walking, standing, stopping, and physical activities.
• Occasional requirement to lift, carry, push/and or pull various supplies and/or equipment up to a maximum of 20 pounds.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associates Degree or passing score on the ParaPro Assessment (through 8/31/2026) or the ParaPathways
• Preferred experience working with students.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation (dated within 1 year) including one from a current supervisor and certifications or transcripts related to Parapro or degree obtained.

Hourly Rate: $27.00

Only online applications will be accepted. No phone calls or email.

Closing date: August 17, 2026

To apply, please go to: https://www.nfaschool.org/about-us/employment

NFA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all members of our community.