Job Description

Paraeducator at Derby Middle School � RISE Room

Position: Paraeducator

Location: Derby Middle School, Derby, Connecticut

Reports To: Building Administration / Special Education Supervisor

Position Overview

Derby Middle School is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and student-centered Paraeducator to join our RISE Room team. The RISE Room provides targeted academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and regulation support to middle school students who require additional structure and individualized intervention to be successful in the school environment.

The ideal candidate will understand that behavior is a form of communication and will approach students with patience, consistency, empathy, and a belief in their ability to grow. The Paraeducator will help create a predictable, supportive environment in which students can practice and strengthen academic, behavioral, social, and self-regulation skills.

About the RISE Room

The Derby Middle School RISE Room is designed to provide students with a structured and supportive setting when they need additional assistance to successfully engage in school. The program is grounded in our schoolwide RISE values:

• Respectful � We treat ourselves and others with dignity.
• Independent � We develop the skills to advocate for ourselves and take ownership of our learning and behavior.
• Safe � We create an environment where students and adults feel physically and emotionally safe.
• Empowered � We believe every student has the capacity to learn, grow, and contribute.

Students receiving support through the RISE Room may demonstrate a range of academic, behavioral, executive functioning, communication, social-emotional, and self-regulation needs. Support is individualized based on student needs and may occur within the RISE Room, in general education settings, or throughout other areas of the school.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide direct behavioral and academic support to students individually and in small groups.
• Implement individualized behavioral interventions and strategies under the direction of qualified school-based professionals and in accordance with student plans.
• Support students in developing self-regulation, coping, communication, social, executive functioning, and problem-solving skills.
• Assist students in identifying triggers and utilizing appropriate replacement behaviors and coping strategies.
• Reinforce positive behaviors and student progress using school- and student-appropriate reinforcement systems.
• Support students in transitioning successfully between classrooms, activities, and settings.
• Provide academic assistance and reinforce instructional strategies under the direction of classroom teachers and other certified staff.
• Help students develop independence rather than becoming dependent on adult support.
• Collect accurate behavioral and academic data as directed by the supervising teacher or behavior professional.
• Document student progress, interventions, and relevant observations in accordance with school and district expectations.
• Assist with the implementation of behavior support plans, IEP goals, and other individualized student supports as appropriate.
• Maintain a calm, predictable, structured, and welcoming RISE Room environment.
• Respond appropriately and safely to student dysregulation, escalation, and crises in accordance with district protocols and training.
• Support students in returning to instruction and the school community following behavioral incidents or periods of dysregulation.
• Collaborate with teachers to help students generalize skills learned in the RISE Room to their general education classrooms and other school settings.
• Participate as a member of the student's educational support team and contribute relevant observations and data.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism when working with students, families, and staff.
• Build positive relationships with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Perform other duties as assigned by school administration.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, behavioral science, special education, social work, or a related field, or completion of the ParaPro Exam.
• Experience working with children or adolescents with behavioral, academic, developmental, or social-emotional needs.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and district employment requirements.
• Ability to participate in required crisis prevention, safety, and behavioral support training.
• Previous experience working in a school setting.
• Experience implementing behavior intervention plans or individualized behavioral strategies.
• Experience working with middle school-aged students.
• Familiarity with special education, IEPs, MTSS, PBIS, SEL, or trauma-responsive practices.

Why Join Derby Middle School?

At Derby Middle School, we believe that students do well when they can. Our work is grounded in relationships, high expectations, consistency, and a commitment to helping every student find a pathway to success.

The RISE Room is an important part of our school's commitment to supporting students with behavioral and academic needs while maintaining their connection to the larger school community. The Paraeductor will play a critical role in helping students build the skills, confidence, and independence they need to be successful.

If you are a positive, patient, collaborative professional who believes in the potential of every student and enjoys helping adolescents develop meaningful skills for success, we invite you to join the Derby Middle School team!

FMLA regulations require all employers to post the updated FMLA notice

Nondiscrimination The conditions or privileges of employment in this school system, including the wages, hours, terms and benefits shall be applied without regard to race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, sex, ancestry, residence, present or past history of mental disorder, mental retardation, pregnancy, or physical disability, (including but not limited to blindness) except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification or need. Thereby the board of education seeks to extend the advantages of public education with full equality of educational opportunity to all pupils and personnel. Neither the board nor any employee nor any other person may aid or compel the performance of an unfair labor practice as defined by law.