SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATOR – BEST

position Type:
Paraeducator

Date Posted:
1/28/2026

Location:
Puyallup High School

Date Available:
UPON HIRE

Closing Date:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Posting: AP7339
Location: Puyallup High School
Position: Special education Para – Best
Rate: PESPA Level 3
Hours: 6.95 hours per day (Includes 30 minute unpaid break)
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:55AM to 3:22PM
Calendar: 190-Day
Notes: Flexibility to ride the bus. May work primarily with one student.
BEST = Behavioral, Emotional, Social Teaching – provides services to students with behavioral challenges (mild to severe) within a self-contained and general education setting. Instruction focuses on behavior and academic areas.
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.

To Expedite Employment Processing

• Provide a minimum of 3 professional references from current and former supervisors, including their email addresses. Ensure these references respond promptly.

Additional Information for External Candidates

• Your Application remains active for two years for selected positions.
• Hiring teams will review all completed applications. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by phone or email.
• Update your application regularly to reflect any changes, such as meeting paraeducator requirements, new employment history or references.
• For questions, please review How do I become a Paraeducator? or contact the Human Resources Department at personnel@puyallupsd.org.