Para Educator - Developmental Learning Center - Northwood

Para Educator
- Developmental Learning Center
- Northwood

Mead Northwood Middle School, Spokane, Washington

Job : 5826108

Final date to receive applications: Jul 24, 2026 11:59 PM (Pacific Standard Time)

Re-Posted: Jul 13, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026

July 9, 2026

Para Educator – Special Education – Developmental Learning Center at Northwood Middle School. Monday – Friday, continuing position. 6.5 hours per day (8:45 am – 3:30 pm).

JOB SUMMARY: The Para educator (Special Education) provides support and assistance to meet the instructional, educational, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students receiving special education services. Duties may vary based on assignment and may change as directed by administration or teacher reevaluation.

• Support teachers in meeting instructional, educational, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities.
• Provide instructional support in small or large group settings to reinforce learning objectives.
• Assist with duties related to instruction, such as observing, recording data, charting behavior, and classroom preparation.
• Follow plans, procedures, strategies, or tasks as directed by administrators or certificated staff.
• Follow district policies for protecting health, safety, and well-being of children.
• Maintain safety, behavior, decorum, and order in common areas (cafeteria, playground, corridors, study halls, gym, auditorium, locker rooms, parking areas, crosswalks, detention rooms, buses, etc.).
• Understand and apply behavior management plans of classrooms, buildings, and programs.
• Assist in crisis intervention following a student’s IEP or ERP as written by the IEP team.
• Provide information requested by teachers/administrators for IEP development.
• Collaborate with Special Education teachers, classroom teachers, and other para educators.
• Assist in material preparation as needed in lesson plans.
• Learn and apply instructional approaches/strategies when working with students.
• Demonstrate interest in working with students, including those with special needs; encourage and model expected behavior.
• May assist in data collection on student mastery of behavior goals/objectives using criteria/checklists.
• Fade supports to individual students as directed; document fading of supports per IEP.
• Build and maintain positive, caring relationships with all students.
• Provide basic care as needed (e.g., feeding, diapers) per student needs and school policy.
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with all members of the school community; communicate with Special Education staff regarding student progress and instructional plans.
• Maintain organized records and participate in ongoing training to enhance skills.
• Perform basic computer tasks (word processing, email); report to assigned duty areas promptly and reliably.
• Remain flexible to changes; work independently with minimal supervision; provide first aid as needed and report accidents.
• Complete required training annually or as required and perform other duties as directed by the building principal.

Education/Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current first aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain promptly

Additionally, Para educators shall be highly qualified upon hire into a continuing position as defined by state law.

• Completed at least 2 years of college (72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher)
• OR an associate degree or higher
• OR completed and passed the ETS Para Pro Praxis Assessment (score of at least 455)
• OR completed Master Teacher Assessments (2 assessments, score at least 65%)
• OR completed Pearson Paraprofessional assessment (score as required)
• OR completed an apprenticeship as a para educator registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council

• Effective communication with staff and students, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work with students in a warm and confident manner
• Knowledge of student safety rules and procedures; ability to maintain confidentiality
• Experience with students with disabilities preferred

The physical demands…