24-25SY: FT Special Education Paraprofessional

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Position Type: Full-Time | 2024-2025 School Year

ABOUT ESPERANZA ACADEMY

Esperanza means hope. Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), located in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia, is dedicated to serving the students within its community. We believe education can be a vehicle for social and economic advancement, especially in historically underserved communities. This core belief drives our relentless pursuit to become the best educational option for all students in the Philadelphia area.

Our proven track record of academic success with historically underserved students sets us apart. The Academy has 11th-grade test scores above the city of Philadelphia average and value-added math and reading proficiency growth is among the highest in Pennsylvania. Students graduate at a rate exceeding 90% and drop out at only 1%. For 9 out of 11 years, the Academy has been awarded a silver or bronze medal rating in the US News ranking of Best High Schools in the country.

In the fall of 2025, we will open a brand-new elementary school building, marking the completion of our expansion to a full K-12 program serving over 2,400 students. This growth will make Esperanza Academy the second-largest single charter school in Philadelphia, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality education to even more students in our city.

THE OPPORTUNITY

At Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), we believe that all students deserve access to an inclusive and supportive learning environment. We seek a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional who will work collaboratively with teachers to provide push-in support across content area classes and offer individualized assistance to students with disabilities.

As a Special Education Paraprofessional, you will play a vital role in ensuring that students receive the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support they need to thrive. You will serve as a bridge between families and schools, helping to foster strong partnerships that contribute to student success. A student advocate at heart, you will work closely with all team members to maximize student learning opportunities and ensure progress toward Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. You will also build strong relationships that foster a culture of excellence, inclusion, and belonging.

We are committed to supporting and developing our staff through meaningful professional growth opportunities, ongoing collaboration, and a culture that values innovation and continuous learning. This full-time position for the 2024-2025 school year offers a unique opportunity to join a diverse, mission-driven school community that is passionate about closing the opportunity gap.

Why Join Esperanza Academy as a Special Education Paraprofessional?

✔ Make a Meaningful Impact – Help students with disabilities access high-quality education and reach their full potential.

✔ Supportive & Inclusive Community – Join a mission-driven school that values collaboration, diversity, and professional growth.

✔ Commitment to Equity – Be part of a school that seeks to eliminate barriers and expand opportunities for all students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide push-in classroom support across content areas to help students engage with grade-level curriculum.
• Offer one-on-one and small-group instruction under the supervision of a Special Education Teacher to support academic and behavioral growth.
• Assist in implementing accommodations and modifications to ensure students can fully participate in learning.
• Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals, working closely with teachers to adjust support as needed.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment where students feel valued and supported.
• Help students develop independent learning and self-advocacy skills.
• Support students with daily classroom activities, including assignments, note-taking, and test-taking.
• Implement behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) and reinforce positive behavioral strategies.
• Serve as a liaison between families and the school, helping to communicate student needs, progress, and support strategies.
• Assist with transitions, lunch, recess, and arrival/dismissal times as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, therapists, and related service providers to ensure a well-rounded support system for students.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and adhere to all special education policies and procedures.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and stay updated on best practices in special education.

What You Will Bring:

• A deep belief in Esperanza Academy’s mission and a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs.
• An Associate’s Degree or a Paraeducator Credential is required. (Official transcripts showing the degree conferred or credits earned may be required before the start date of employment.)
• Experience working with students with disabilities in an educational or related setting is preferred.
• Ability to follow teacher instructions, implement accommodations, and work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students, teachers, and families.
• Patience, flexibility, and a commitment to student success.
• Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.
• Clearances: All applicants must have current FBI, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse background checks conducted within the last 12 months.

Follow Us: To learn more about Esperanza Academy, please visit our website at https://www.esperanzaacademycs.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Esperanza Academy values diversity and seeks to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including but not limited to BIPOC educators, multilingual educators, and individuals committed to educational equity.

Esperanza Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Esperanza Academy are based on doing what is best for kids, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.