SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATOR - GATEWAY

Puyallup School District; Puyallup (WA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Puyallup School District seeks a Special Education Paraeducator for the Gateway program at Puyallup High School. The role involves supporting a student, with the possibility of accompanying them to activities, and helping establish access to adult services and life skills.

The position requires meeting paraeducator qualifications and the state required training; schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:01 AM to 2:55 PM, with a 6.4-hour workday and a 191-day calendar. Apply by the closing date.

Qualifications

• Be at least eighteen years of age.
• Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Fulfill ONE of the listed qualification options (degree/credits/assessments/apprenticeship).
• Provide documentation verifying qualification (official transcript or official scores).

Responsibilities

• Support one student as assigned, with flexibility to ride the bus.
• Assist in accessing adult services, volunteer services, community access, and life skills for Gateway participants.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher

72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits (100 level or higher)

ParaPro Assessment score 455+

Pearson Paraprofessional assessment 220+

Master Teacher Inc. Paraprofessional Online Training 65%+

Apprenticeship as paraeducator

Job description

• Position Type: Paraeducator
• Date Posted: 9/1/2026
• Location: Puyallup High School
• Date Available: UPON HIRE
• Closing Date: 09/07/2026

Posting: AP7863

Location: Puyallup High School

Position: Special Education Para - Gateway

Rate: PESPA Level 3

Hours: 6.4 hours per day (Includes 30-minute unpaid break)

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:01AM to 2:55PM

Calendar: 191-Day

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

GATEWAY = provides access and experiences for students ages 19-21 that will assist in establishing access to adult services, volunteer services, community access, and life 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].