PK-12 Paraeducator(s) - PK-8 Elementary​/Middle School & High School​/ALE Opportunities

The Mary Walker School District is seeking one or more qualified, collaborative, and student-centered individuals to serve as PK-12 Paraeducators for the  school year. Current openings include positions supporting students in our PK-8 building and our High School/Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) program. Paraeducators work under the general supervision of building administration and certificated staff to provide instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, and supervisory support that promotes student success and well-being.

Paraeducators play an essential role in helping students achieve academic, behavioral, and personal growth by providing support in one-on-one, small group, and whole-class instructional settings. Working closely with teachers and support staff, para educators reinforce district-approved curriculum, implement instructional strategies and accommodations, support positive classroom environments, and encourage student independence while helping create a culture of belonging where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of success.

Depending on assignment, para educators may support students with a variety of academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental needs, including implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior support plans, and other student interventions under the direction of certificated staff. Responsibilities may also include collecting instructional or behavioral data, assisting with classroom organization, supporting the use of educational technology, and helping monitor student progress toward established learning goals.

Successful candidates are relationship-focused professionals who collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, specialists, families, and fellow support staff to ensure consistent expectations and coordinated student support. Additional responsibilities include supervising students during recess, lunch, passing periods, bus loading and unloading, field trips, and other school activities while helping maintain a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment throughout the school day. Successful candidates will demonstrate patience, flexibility, professionalism, and a commitment to creating a culture of belonging where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of success.

• Have received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service para educator assessment as published by PESB; or
• Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
• Have earned seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the one hundred level or higher at an accredited college or university; or
• Have completed an apprenticeship as a para educator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Ability to pass a Washington State background check (clearance through fingerprinting).

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, teachers, and administrators.
• Ability to assist in implementing instructional strategies, under the guidance of a certificated teacher, to support student learning.
• Experience working with children or adolescents in educational, childcare, recreation, or youth-serving settings is preferred.
• Basic understanding of classroom management techniques and student behavior support strategies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all student-related matters.
• Ability to perform student supervision duties, including recess, lunch, or transportation monitoring.
• Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse student populations, including students from high-poverty or trauma-affected backgrounds.
• Assist students with organization, executive functioning, and independence.
• Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior intervention plans, and accommodations as directed.
• Collect observational or instructional data to assist certificated staff in monitoring student progress.
• Support positive student relationships through restorative and trauma-informed practices.
• Utilize educational technology to support instruction and communication.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or superintendent.

• General education classroom support
• Special education services
• One-on-one student support
• Small group instruction
• Behavior intervention support
• Alternative Learning Experience (ALE)
• Student supervision
• Academic intervention