Northwood Elementary- Literacy paraprofessional

Northwood Elementary Literacy Paraprofessional (6.5 hours)

Mercer Island School District, 400 Northwood Elementary, Mercer Island, Washington.

The Access for All Para educator is an essential member of the elementary instructional team, providing targeted literacy support to students within an inclusive classroom environment. Working collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education teachers, learning support staff, and English Language Development (ELD) specialists, the para educator helps implement evidence‑based literacy instruction that supports all learners, with particular emphasis on students with reading difficulties and disabilities, including dyslexia.

This position is designed to ensure students receive high‑quality, differentiated instruction while remaining fully integrated with their peers. The para educator fosters both academic growth and student confidence by delivering structured small‑group instruction and reinforcing literacy skills throughout the school day.

Mercer Island School District is committed to supporting para educators through comprehensive training, ongoing coaching, and collaborative professional learning. Prior experience with structured literacy or dyslexia instruction is not required. Successful candidates will receive training in evidence‑based literacy practices, multisensory instructional strategies, and the district's instructional model while working alongside experienced teachers, specialists, and instructional leaders. The district values individuals who are eager to learn, collaborate, and grow as educators in service of ensuring every student becomes a confident, capable reader.

Assist instructional staff with operational and instructional duties.

• Assist instructional staff in the supervision of students while in school or on field trips
• Assist instructional staff with preparation of instructional material
• Operate standard office and AV equipment
• Assist students in small groups; tutor at instructional staff request
• Assist instructional staff in daily classroom operation & management
• May escort students to and from various parts of campus
• Assist instructional staff in maintaining a safe classroom environment.
• Assist instructional staff in creating & maintaining a classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Update and maintain records and files as assigned
• Communicate effectively with staff and parents regarding students
• Attend required staff meetings
• Attend periodic training as necessary
• Serve assigned role in Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Duties directly related to the purpose of the job.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Be at least 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma or equivalent; and meet one of the below:

• have received a passing grade on the Education Testing Service’s Para Pro Assessment (“ETS Assessment”); or
• hold an AA degree; or
• have earned 72 quarter credits or 48‑semester credits at an institution of higher learning; or
• have completed a registered apprentice program.

• Meet State qualifications
• 1–3 years of experience working with children or young adults
• Language Skills – Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation, and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to other employees, and/or students.
• Mathematical Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Reasoning Ability – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Must have strong communications, computer, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop…