SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATOR – SUPPORT CENTER

position Type:
Paraeducator

Date Posted:
12/11/2025

Location:
Pope Elementary

Date Available:
UPON HIRE

Closing Date:
OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Posting: AP7279
Location: Pope Elementary
Position: Special education Para – Support Center
Rate: PESPA Level 3
Hours: 6.95 hours per day (Includes 30 minute unpaid break)
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:27 PM
Calendar: 190-Day
Notes: Flexibility to ride the bus. May work primarily with one student.
EXTERNAL APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION ONCE THE INTERNAL BIDDING PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

SUPPORT CENTER = provides services in academic instruction to students with a variety of disabilities ranging from severe to profound. In addition to instruction in academic subject areas, the program also offers modified curriculum instruction which may include a combination of the following: functional academics, daily living skills, prevocational/vocational skills, behavior skills and social 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 personnel@puyallupsd.org.