Substitute Paraprofessional Jobs
Substitute Paraprofessional jobs are open across K-12 public schools, private schools, and special education programs, from entry-level aides to experienced behavioral and instructional support specialists, with common specializations in special education, early childhood assistance, and classroom behavior support. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Arlington, MA 02476
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.
POSITION: SPECIALIZED SUPPORT PARAPROFESSIONAL - This is a long term substitute position from November 2026-June 2027.
JOB GOAL: The Special Support Paraprofessional (SSP) will support educators by working with students in general education and special education settings to enable them to access the curriculum.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associates Degree Required; Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
- Experience working with children
- Ability to coordinate with and work as a member of a team that includes Principal, Classroom Teacher, Special Educators, other building staff, related service personnel, clinicians and parents
- Must have experience with and demonstrated ability to support students with social-emotional and behavioral challenges
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Preferred specialized training, such as Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or Equivalent
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Establishes emotionally supportive rapport with students
- Travels to general education classes with students as needed
- Accurately implements content, instructional and performance modifications as designed by the classroom teacher, special education liaison, and BCBA
- Ensures information is shared between other support personnel when this individual is on scheduled breaks.
- Participates in classroom planning meetings or other organizational meetings, as well as professional development as determined by principal and or special education department
- Greets students upon arrival to school, assists with student dismissal and debriefs with teacher at the end of the day
- Implements behavior management plans as written
- Assists with crisis management plans, including physical management per behavior management protocols when required.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 183 Days. 7.00 hours per day
REPORTS TO: Special Education Coordinators and Building Principals
SALARY/BENEFITS: Per AEA Unit D Collective Bargaining Agreement. Eligible for benefits including health insurance, dental insurance and life insurance and Town of Arlington Retirement System.
Arlington values diversity. We strongly encourage candidates of varied backgrounds, including people of color, persons with disabilities and others to apply
ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Arlington, MA 02476
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.
POSITION: SPECIALIZED SUPPORT PARAPROFESSIONAL - This is a long term substitute position from November 2026-June 2027.
JOB GOAL: The Special Support Paraprofessional (SSP) will support educators by working with students in general education and special education settings to enable them to access the curriculum.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associates Degree Required; Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
- Experience working with children
- Ability to coordinate with and work as a member of a team that includes Principal, Classroom Teacher, Special Educators, other building staff, related service personnel, clinicians and parents
- Must have experience with and demonstrated ability to support students with social-emotional and behavioral challenges
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Preferred specialized training, such as Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or Equivalent
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Establishes emotionally supportive rapport with students
- Travels to general education classes with students as needed
- Accurately implements content, instructional and performance modifications as designed by the classroom teacher, special education liaison, and BCBA
- Ensures information is shared between other support personnel when this individual is on scheduled breaks.
- Participates in classroom planning meetings or other organizational meetings, as well as professional development as determined by principal and or special education department
- Greets students upon arrival to school, assists with student dismissal and debriefs with teacher at the end of the day
- Implements behavior management plans as written
- Assists with crisis management plans, including physical management per behavior management protocols when required.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 183 Days. 7.00 hours per day
REPORTS TO: Special Education Coordinators and Building Principals
SALARY/BENEFITS: Per AEA Unit D Collective Bargaining Agreement. Eligible for benefits including health insurance, dental insurance and life insurance and Town of Arlington Retirement System.
Arlington values diversity. We strongly encourage candidates of varied backgrounds, including people of color, persons with disabilities and others to apply
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Find JobsSubstitute Paraprofessional Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substitute paraprofessional jobs.
- High school diploma or GED with some college coursework preferred by most districts
- Paraeducator or paraprofessional state certification or willingness to obtain one
- Experience supporting students with disabilities or individualized education programs
- Valid CPR, first aid, and crisis prevention intervention certification
- Ability to pass a state and federal criminal background check before hire
- Familiarity with classroom behavior management strategies and positive reinforcement techniques
Tips for Your Substitute Paraprofessional Job Search
Tailor your resume to each district
School districts vary widely in what they emphasize, some prioritize behavior intervention experience, others focus on instructional support or specific disability categories. Read each posting carefully and mirror the language used so your resume speaks directly to that district's needs.
List every relevant certification clearly
Paraeducator certificates, CPR and first aid credentials, crisis prevention training like CPI, and any state-specific paraprofessional licenses should appear in a dedicated credentials section so hiring coordinators can confirm compliance requirements at a glance.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists substitute paraprofessional openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight IEP and accommodation experience
If you've worked alongside students with individualized education programs, say so explicitly on your resume. Mention the disability categories you've supported and any adaptive tools or communication systems you've used, such as AAC devices or visual schedules.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Interviewers for paraprofessional roles frequently ask how you'd handle a student in crisis or a classroom disruption. Practice specific responses using real situations from past experience rather than theoretical answers, concrete examples demonstrate judgment over book knowledge.
Follow up after submitting your application
School district HR departments process high volumes of applications, especially before the fall term. A brief, professional follow-up email to the HR coordinator a week after applying signals genuine interest and can move your file from the pile to an interview invite.
Substitute Paraprofessional Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most substitute paraprofessionals?
The companies hiring the most substitute paraprofessionals right now include Leominster Public Schools, Delaware Schools Consortium, and Prior Lake - Savage Area Schools, with the largest share of openings in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Districts with high student enrollment and large special education populations tend to post the most consistent substitute paraprofessional openings throughout the school year.
How many substitute paraprofessional jobs are remote?
About 0% of substitute paraprofessional openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how hands-on the role typically is. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are administrative paraprofessional support and virtual special education assistant roles within online charter school programs.
How do you become a substitute paraprofessional?
To become a substitute paraprofessional, you first need a high school diploma at minimum, though many districts require some college credits or an associate degree. You then apply for any required state paraeducator certification, complete a background check, and submit an application directly to your local school district or a staffing agency that places substitute support staff in schools.
Can you get hired as a substitute paraprofessional with little experience?
Yes, many districts hire substitute paraprofessionals with limited formal experience, particularly when candidates can demonstrate related background such as childcare, tutoring, youth program work, or volunteer experience with students with disabilities. Emphasizing soft skills like patience, clear communication, and the ability to follow behavioral support plans can offset a thinner resume when applying to entry-level substitute positions.
What does the substitute paraprofessional interview process look like?
The substitute paraprofessional interview process typically begins with a phone or video screen conducted by district HR, followed by an in-person interview with a special education coordinator or school principal. Interviewers commonly ask scenario-based questions about managing challenging student behavior, supporting students with specific disabilities, and working alongside lead teachers. Some districts also require a brief orientation or observed classroom session before placement.
Where can I find and apply to substitute paraprofessional jobs?
You can find and apply to substitute paraprofessional jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that fit your location, experience level, and specialization, then apply directly to each listing that matches what you're looking for.
See All 116+ Substitute Paraprofessional Jobs
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