All newly hired paraprofessionals and substitute teachers are required to participate in an August orientation program, and are paid at their hourly rate for their participation.
Date: Monday, August 25th, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: 2nd Floor Library, Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) | Please see below for directions, parking, and transportation info.
Objectives: The goals of orientation are to:
Welcome and celebrate the 2025-26 cohort of newly-hired paraprofessionals and building substitutes to CPS.
Develop an awareness of the complexity of the Cambridge community and the Cambridge Public Schools.
Reflect upon the biases that can impact your work with children who come from backgrounds that are different from your own.
Identify strategies for building positive relationships with students and responding appropriately when they are experiencing distress.
Develop an understanding of your responsibilities as a CPS educators and the supports that exist to help you.
Answer your burning questions about the year ahead!
Food: Lunch will be provided and will include vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free options. If you have additional dietary concerns or restrictions, please let Chad Leith know by Wednesday (8/20).
Location, Parking & Transportation for the Welcome to CPS Teacher Orientation:
Orientation will be held in the Library on the 2nd floor of Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS), which is located at 459 Broadway Street (click here to see the location on Google Maps). Please enter through the Main Entrance (pictured above) and follow the signs to the Library.
CRLS is located 0.4 miles (a 10-15 minute walk) from the Harvard MBTA Station, which serves the Red Line and multiple bus routes. Limited parking will be available in the CRLS staff parking garage. The garage ramp is located across from 90 Ellery Street. If you opt to park, our Safety & Security Department asks that you leave a sheet of paper on your dashboard with your name and cell phone number, along with "New Para Orientation." Please note that it is not possible to access the Media Cafe from the garage, so those who park in the lot will need to exit the garage and walk past the tennis courts and the Main Public Library to the Main Entrance.