SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATOR - EXCEL

Puyallup School District; Puyallup (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Puyallup School District is looking for a Special Education Para to work primarily with one student at Emerald Ridge High School. This role requires assisting students with moderate to profound disabilities, focusing on functional academics and communication skills.

The ideal candidate must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with meeting additional criteria such as an associate's degree or ParaPro assessment scores. The position offers structured training and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Be at least eighteen years of age.
• Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with moderate to profound disabilities.
• Support functional academic, communication, and living skills.
• Complete 28 hours of training upon hire.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher

72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits

ParaPro Assessment score of 455 or higher

Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment score of 220 or higher

Master Teacher Inc. score of 65% or higher

Apprenticeship completion

Job description

Job Posting Overview

• Posting: AP7603
• Location: Emerald Ridge High School
• Position: Special Education Para - EXCEL
• Rate: PESPA Level 3
• Hours: 6.95 hours per day (Includes 30 minute unpaid break)
• Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:55AM to 3:22PM
• Calendar: 191‑Day
• Notes: THIS POSTING IS FOR THE 26/27 SCHOOL YEAR

Flexibility to ride the bus. May work primarily with one student.

EXCEL Overview

EXCEL = Exceeding Challenges through Education and Life Skills - provides services to students having moderate to profound physical and developmental disabilities, including some students who are non‑ambulatory and non‑verbal. Instruction and therapy focus on functional academics, communication and living skills.

Minimum Paraeducator Employment Requirements

To be eligible for employment, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least eighteen years of age.
2. Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Additionally, candidates must fulfill ONE of the following conditions:

• Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Earn 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Score 455 or higher on the ParaPro Assessment (ETS).
• Score 220 or higher on the Pearson Paraprofessional assessment (not administered by PSD).
• Score 65% or higher on The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program (not administered by PSD).
• Complete an apprenticeship as a paraeducator in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Proof of Qualification

Candidates must upload documentation verifying that they meet the stated requirements to be considered for employment. This includes providing a copy of an official college transcript or a passing score in one of the following assessments:

• Education Testing Service ParaPro Assessment
• Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment
• Master Teacher Inc. Paraprofessional Online Training Program

If submitting an assessment score, proof of a high school diploma or its equivalent must also be provided.

Conditions of Employment

• This position requires the completion and attainment of the state‑mandated General Paraeducator Certificate.
• The Paraeducator Certificate Program offers statewide standards‑based training for all paraeducators/Education Support Professionals (ESP) and supports a career growth ladder for those wishing to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession.
• Staff will be required to complete 28 hours of training on the Fundamental Course of Study provided by the district. The first two days of FCS training must be completed within four months of the date of hire, and the second two days within six months of the date of hire, or by September 1 of the next school year. The general certificate is then earned by a paraeducator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.

Benefits and Wages

• Refer to the PSD Education Support Prof Employees (PESPA)-WEA agreements, salary schedules, calendars, and benefits here.

Expedite Employment Processing

• To expedite employment processing, please provide a minimum of 3 professional references from current and former supervisors, including their email addresses. Contact these references and ask them to respond promptly.

Additional Information

• Your application is active for a period of two years, for the positions you have selected.
• All completed applications will be reviewed by the respective hiring team, and if you are selected for an interview, they will contact you directly by phone or email.
• Please ensure you continue to update your application to reflect any changes such as meeting paraeducator requirements, adding employment history, and supervisor/manager references.
• For further questions, please review How do I become a Paraeducator? or contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

Attachment(s): Job Description - SE EXCEL Paraeducator.pdf