Paraeducator - Academic Core Program

Federal Way Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools seeks a paraeducator for Mirror Lake Elementary to support students with identified disabilities under a certified teacher. This role involves tutoring individuals or small groups and assisting with instructional and clerical tasks in an inclusive setting.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus one of the approved options (AA degree, college credits, or paraeducator assessment). 6.0 hours per day, 180 days per year.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent is required.
• One of: AA degree, or 48 college-level credits, or 72 college-level credits, or pass the paraeducator assessment test.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar.
• Experience in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Tutor individuals or groups as directed by the teacher.
• Assist with instructional and behavioral programs when trained.
• Communicate with resource personnel and teachers.
• Supervise students per school/district policies.
• Assist with record-keeping and parent communication.
• Maintain classroom materials and equipment.

Skills

Tutoring or group instruction

English grammar

Team collaboration

Technology basic proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

AA degree or 48 college-level credits or 72 quarter credits

Paraeducator assessment test (state approved)

Job description

• Date Posted:8/3/2026
• Location:Mirror Lake Elementary
• Date Available:09/02/2026
• Closing Date:08/07/2026
• Hours per Day:6.0 hours; $26.90-$29.64 DOE
• Days of the Week:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday
• Shift Times:Mon-Thurs. 8:20-3:05 Fri 8:20-2:05
• Days per Year:180

• Position Type:ParaEducator (School Aide)/ Special Education Programs
• Date Posted:8/3/2026
• Location:Mirror Lake Elementary
• Date Available:09/02/2026
• Closing Date:08/07/2026
• Hours per Day:6.0 hours; $26.90-$29.64 DOE
• Days of the Week:Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday
• Shift Times:Mon-Thurs. 8:20-3:05 Fri 8:20-2:05
• Days per Year:180

POSITION SUMMARY

The academic core program (ACP) is for students with identified disabilities who demonstrate primary learning needs in the academic domain. The paraeducator’s duties will include assisting with special education students ranging in one-on-one to small group activities under the supervision of the certified teacher/specialist. The employee will assist with a variety of instructional clerical tasks. The employee may be working in an inclusion model.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Tutor individuals and/or groups in specific skills as directed by the teacher.
• When trained, will assist the teacher in administering special instructional and or behavioral programs.
• Communicate and work with related resource personnel.
• Supervise students in accordance with the school and district policies.
• Plan daily/weekly with the teachers and other staff members servicing the same students.
• Assist teachers with record keeping.
• Assist the teacher in communicating with other building/district staff members.
• Assist the teacher in communicating with parents.
• Discuss information pertaining to students with teacher or other appropriate staff within your building.
• Inform the advising teacher to any observed problems or information regarding an individual student.
• Give positive reinforcement to students during the school day.
• Assist with the room maintenance and control of books and equipment.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform instructional clerical tasks.
• Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Assist substitute teacher with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• And one of the following
  • AA degree, OR
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, OR
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state approved paraeducator assessment test

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar skills
• Experienced and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

• Pass a criminal background check
• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements
• Washington State driver’s license.
• Possess and maintain Type II driver’s license
• Possess and maintain Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Individual Education Plan (IEP's)
• English grammar and spelling
• Basic math
• Positive behavior interventions
• Right Response and de-escalation techniques
• School Board Policies

ABILITY TO

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency
• Work independently and work collaboratively with others fostering a team approach whenever appropriate.
• Maintain a good work attendance record, be punctual, and follow District procedures for reporting all absences.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility and a commitment to students.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Develop and maintain positive relations with staff and service providers
• Follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision
• Speak, read and follow written communications in English
• Perform basic spelling, math and grammar skills
• Demonstrate the desire, skill and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic and social needs, which may include violent behavior
• Demonstrate a caring attitude and establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and successful learning
• Exercise judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer to higher authority
• Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
• Communicate effectively with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community
• Interact positively with students, parents and staff in a professional manner and demonstrate a commitment for students and their success
• Continue professional growth
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY

• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
• Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools’ commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."
• Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will constantly sit, stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee is frequently required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will occasionally be required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs and must frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 50 lbs. Any lifting over 50 lbs should be done with two people or a mechanical device. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

WORK CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor and outdoor conditions. This position intermittently works near a video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment. Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a school year assignment. Hours and days will vary slightly from school to school.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Position reports to classroom teacher and/or department head and building principal. Position is evaluated by the building principal or designee.

REPRESENTATION

Public School Employees Union (PSE) SEIU Local 1948

LEVEL OF COMPENSATION

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.

This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE – Medical, dental vision; sick and vacation leave; life insurance; retirement.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

Update 07/2015

Updated Right Response language 07/2017

Updated 12/2018

Disclaimer

The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.

Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.