Job Description

Organizational Overview

Founded in 2003 to provide a free, public, high-quality college preparatory education for the students of East Boston and Chelsea, Excel is proving that children’s ability to succeed in high school, college, and beyond is not determined by zip code. We have grown from one school serving approximately 200 students to a network of four schools serving more than 1,300 students, and our purpose and theory of change remains consistent: we believe that when a student has the support and tools to pursue a productive post-secondary pathway aligned with personal identity and values, it can fundamentally change his/her life trajectory. As a true public school, Excel is defined not by whom we exclude but by whom we include in our community. We are proud of the fact that we serve many students with special needs.

After 8 years of operating a small single-site middle school in East Boston, Excel was designated a “Proven Provider” by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and granted two additional charters to serve middle school students. After four more successful years, Excel Academy Charter High School opened in 2015. In spring 2019, we are excited to cheer on our first senior class as they become the first cohort to receive high school diplomas from Excel.

Duties & Responsibilities

Excel is seeking a Paraprofessional/1:1 Aide to:

• Provide small group or 1:1 behavioral & academic support to a student with special needs
• Provide 1:1 student support based on specific needs outlined in his/her IEP
• Provide inclusion support to students with special needs in General Education and Foundational level courses
• Work with staff to develop behavioral intervention plans and implement plans to ensure student learning and classroom behavior goals are met
• Work with staff to develop and provide academic support plans for student(s) with special needs
• Confer and collaborate with teachers to ensure accommodations are met in inclusive settings; and
• Provide input for student’s IEP

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent, AND
  • An associate's (or higher) degree; OR
  • Completion of 48 credit hours at an Institution of Higher Education; OR
  • Completion of one of the formal Massachusetts-endorsed Assessments: Parapro or WorkKeys.
• Experience working with students with substantial behavioral needs;
• Experience in an urban public school or charter school setting preferred, but not required;
• Physical Restraint Training preferred, but not required;
• A commitment to working with underserved, urban youth;
• An unwavering commitment to and belief in the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
• The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
• An entrepreneurial spirit that reflects an openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in developing new ideas and programs.