K-8 Alternative Learning Education; ALE Half-Time Paraeducator​/Half-Time Certificated K

Position Summary

The Mary Walker School District is seeking a highly qualified, collaborative, and creative educator to serve in a unique dual‑role position as a .5 classified para educator and .5 certificated K–8 Teacher within the district’s Alternative Learning Education (ALE) program. This temporary position supports students across the K–8 continuum and is split evenly between para educator responsibilities and certificated teaching duties.

The successful candidate will work under the general supervision of the Mary Walker High School Principal and the ALE Lead Teacher and will support student success and growth in both academic and interpersonal skills through implementation of district‑ and state‑approved curricula. As part of the ALE program, responsibilities include maintaining regular weekly contact with students and families; preparing required monthly ALE reports;

documenting instruction, student progress, activities, and outcomes; and addressing the individualized educational needs of students.

In this dual role, the educator will assist with instructional support and student supervision as a para educator while also planning and delivering instruction as a certificated teacher. The position requires the ability to create a flexible, safe, and supportive learning environment and to provide ongoing feedback to students, parents, and administration regarding student progress, expectations, and goals.

This temporary position begins immediately following Winter Break on January 5, 2026, and continues through June 23, 2026.

50% classified para educator duties, 50% certificated K–8 teaching duties.

The Mary Walker ALE program:
Alternative Learning Education (ALE) in Washington State offers flexible and personalized educational opportunities for students who may benefit from non‑traditional learning environments. ALE programs provide a variety of instructional approaches, including online courses, project‑based learning, and individualized instruction, to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students. These programs are designed to support students in achieving academic success, personal growth, and the development of essential life skills.

• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate (K–8 or Elementary preferred)
• Ability to meet para educator employment requirements for Washington State
• Experience working with elementary or middle‑level students preferred
• Strong instructional, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to support students in a rural, high-poverty, trauma-informed environment
• Successful candidates are teachers who inspire students to love learning
• Valid Washington State Teaching certificate in Elementary Education, or able to attain one
• Demonstrated experience in teaching middle school core subjects, preferably within an alternative learning environment
• Comfortable instructing various levels and content areas, demonstrating proficiency across multiple subjects
• Computer literacy and technological proficiency, with interest in incorporating technology into the classroom
• A desire to put cultural competency at the heart of their pedagogy and skill at working with a diverse population in an inclusive and equitable community
• Commitment to modeling and exhibiting high standards of scholarship
• Capacity to communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues within and outside of the department and grade‑level teams
• A strong understanding of the developmental stages of K‑8 students
• A student‑centered approach to teaching
• Experience designing curriculum and courses
• Experience with Understanding by Design and Universal Design for Learning frameworks
• Familiarity with a variety of assessment styles
• Effective classroom management skills
• Natural rapport and demonstrated effective leadership with students
• Professional demeanor and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Willingness and desire to contribute to Mary Walker beyond the classroom
• And other such duties as assigned by the building principal and or district administrator