MTSS Education Support Professional - Tacoma Online Job Tacoma Washington USA,Education / Teaching

Job Title

Tacoma Public Schools

Job Description

Expected

Start Date:

September 1, 2026

FTE: 0.875

Hours per day: 7 hours plus a 30-minute duty free lunch period for a total of 7.5 hours "on campus"

Salary Level: PA4

72 college level credits or passed the Para Pro Test $27.75 - $33.91

AA degree $28.50 - $34.66

BA or higher degree $28.75 - $35.91 Salary is based on documented experience as an Education Support Professional/Para Professional in WA state public school districts

Union/Days per year:
Education Support Professional, 183 work days, 10 month

Benefits:
This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools

Additional Information:
This position requires completion and attaining of the state mandated General Para educator Certificate. The Para educator Certificate Program offers statewide standards-based training for all para educator/Education Support Professionals (ESP) and supports a career growth ladder for those who wish to advance their career as a para educator 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 will be required to 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 para educator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.

Examples

Of Duties

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Education Support Professional (ESP) supports the implementation of the (MTSS) framework by providing academic and behavioral support to students under the supervision of certified staff and administration. The role includes working with students individually and in small groups, collecting and maintaining data, and assisting with interventions designed to meet students' varying needs.

Essential Job Functions:

The MTSS ESP assists with classroom instruction by supporting students at various levels of academic and behavioral need.

Under the supervision of teachers or MTSS specialists, the ESP implements specific academic or behavioral interventions designed to meet individual students' needs.

The MTSS ESP assists in tracking student progress by collecting and organizing relevant data.

The ESP helps foster a positive and nurturing learning environment by implementing strategies to promote good behavior and emotional well-being.

Collaborate with teachers, interventionists, counselors, and other staff to ensure coordinated support.

Participate in MTSS-related meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.

Responsible for maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all student records and information.

Supports parent engagement in the MTSS process by assisting in the communication of classroom routines, intervention strategies, and student participation.

Attends meetings, classes, workshops, and seminars to maintain current developments in childhood education, developmentally appropriate practices, and compliance with program rules and regulations, as needed or as assigned.

Enters data into the appropriate student assessment or tracking system, as assigned.

Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.

May assist in potty training and diapering.

Regular, reliable, predictable attendance, or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the work's performance.

Conditions:
May be required to work flexible hours; may be required to travel within the community to student homes; may be exposed to infectious disease; occasionally deals with difficult and/or sensitive situations and/or people; experiences high activity level; required to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, be mobile, run, sit, and stand sufficiently to promote curriculum and preserve the safety of the students;

required to work outdoors in inclement weather; may be required to attend meetings beyond the workday.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Be at least eighteen years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent; receive a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service para educator assessment as published by PESB; or an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or earn seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the one hundred level or higher at an accredited college or university;

or completed an apprenticeship as a para educator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council; one year related work experience and/or working with students and parents in a community or school setting; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Licenses/Special Requirements:
District training, as required, per the position assignments.…