Paraeducator - Academic Core Program 1:1

Federal Way Public Schools is seeking a Paraeducator to support the Academic Core Program (ACP) for students with identified disabilities, focusing on academic needs. This role involves assisting special education students in one-on-one and small group settings under the supervision of a certified teacher or specialist, and may include working within an inclusion model.

Responsibilities

• Tutor individuals and/or groups in specific skills as directed by the teacher.
• Assist the teacher in administering special instructional and/or behavioral programs (when trained).
• Communicate and collaborate with related resource personnel.
• Supervise students in accordance with school and district policies.
• Plan daily/weekly with teachers and other staff servicing the same students.
• Assist teachers with record keeping and clerical tasks.
• Facilitate communication between teachers, building/district staff, and parents.
• Share student-related information with appropriate staff and inform the advising teacher of observed issues.
• Provide positive reinforcement to students during the school day.
• Maintain classroom organization, including room maintenance and control of books/equipment.
• Support substitute teachers with pertinent classroom information.
• Work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and one of the following:
  • AA degree, or
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, or
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state-approved paraeducator assessment test.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math, and grammar skills.
• Experience and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Complete the district’s paraeducator core competency requirements.
• Possess and maintain a Washington State driver’s license and Type II driver’s license.
• Complete and maintain certification in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level and maintain annual recertification.
• Work scheduled hours consistently.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Understanding of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and basic math.
• Knowledge of positive behavior interventions and Right Response/de-escalation techniques.
• Familiarity with school board policies.
• Basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness to increase proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong work attendance, punctuality, and adherence to district procedures for reporting absences.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and commitment to student success.
• Effective safety and security practices within individual work routines.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with staff and service providers.
• Follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision.
• Desire, skill, and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs, including those exhibiting violent behavior.
• Caring attitude and ability to establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and successful learning.
• Judgment to act independently or refer to higher authority as needed.
• Adherence to ethical and professional standards of conduct, including confidentiality requirements.
• Effective communication with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Positive interaction with students, parents, and staff in a professional manner.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Cultural Competence and Equity

• Awareness of own cultural identity and its influence on behavior, with a desire to learn about others’ cultural identities.
• Ability to nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons.
• Commitment to the district’s vision: “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.”
• Recognition of each person’s uniqueness while celebrating their group cultural heritage.

Physical Demands

• Constantly sit, stand, walk, bend neck and back, and use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling.
• Frequently squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation.
• Occasionally climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry up to 50 lbs (lifting over 50 lbs requires two people or a mechanical device).
• Constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs and frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

• Regularly work in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently work near a video display.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Occasional exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

Schedule

This is a school-year assignment. Hours and days may vary slightly from school to school.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (prorated based on FTE).
• Sick and vacation leave.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement benefits.

Pay

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.