Paraeducator
The academic core program (ACP) is for students with identified disabilities who demonstrate primary learning needs in the academic domain. The paraeducator's duties will include assisting with special education students ranging in one-on-one to small group activities under the supervision of the certified teacher/specialist. The employee will assist with a variety of instructional clerical tasks. The employee may be working in an inclusion model.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Tutor individuals and/or groups in specific skills as directed by the teacher.
- When trained, will assist the teacher in administering special instructional and/or behavioral programs.
- Communicate and work with related resource personnel.
- Supervise students in accordance with the school and district policies.
- Plan daily/weekly with the teachers and other staff members servicing the same students.
- Assist teachers with record keeping.
- Assist the teacher in communicating with other building/district staff members.
- Assist the teacher in communicating with parents.
- Discuss information pertaining to students with teacher or other appropriate staff within your building.
- Inform the advising teacher to any observed problems or information regarding an individual student.
- Give positive reinforcement to students during the school day.
- Assist with the room maintenance and control of books and equipment.
Other responsibilities include performing instructional clerical tasks, working collaboratively with district staff and promoting teamwork with co-workers, and assisting substitute teacher with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.
Required qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and one of the following: an associate 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. Additional requirements include proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar skills, experienced and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
Condition of employment includes passing a criminal background check, completing the district's paraeducator core competency requirements, Washington State driver's license, possessing and maintaining Type II driver's license, possessing and maintaining Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course, successfully completing the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintaining current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class, and working scheduled hours on a consistent basis.
Knowledge of includes Individual Education Plan (IEP's), English grammar and spelling, basic math, positive behavior interventions, Right Response and de-escalation techniques, school board policies.
Ability to include demonstrating basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency, working independently and work collaboratively with others fostering a team approach whenever appropriate, maintaining a good work attendance record, be punctual, and follow district procedures for reporting all absences, demonstrating enthusiasm, flexibility and a commitment to students, practicing effective safety and security within individual work routines, developing and maintaining positive relations with staff and service providers, following written and verbal directions with minimal supervision, speaking, reading and following written communications in English, performing basic spelling, math and grammar skills, demonstrating the desire, skill and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic and social needs, which may include violent behavior, demonstrating a caring attitude and establishing an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and successful learning, exercising judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer to higher authority, practicing ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality, communicating effectively with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community, interacting positively with students, parents and staff in a professional manner and demonstrating a commitment for students and their success, continuing professional growth.
Required knowledge, skills and abilities related to cultural competence and equity include knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others, ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district, ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.", ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.
Physical demands include constantly sitting, standing and walking, bending neck and back, using hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling, frequently squatting, kneeling, and using hands for fine manipulation, occasionally climbing stairs/ladder, lifting and reaching overhead, crawling, and lifting/carrying, constantly lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs and frequently lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs, occasionally lifting/carrying a maximum of 50 lbs.
Work conditions include regularly working in indoor and outdoor conditions, intermittently working near a video display, noise level usually moderate, position occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment, potential exposure to infectious diseases.
Work schedule is a school year assignment. Hours and days will vary slightly from school to school.
Reporting relationships include position reports to classroom teacher and/or department head and building principal. Position is evaluated by the building principal or designee.
Representation includes Public School Employees Union (PSE) SEIU Local 1948.
Level of compensation includes paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule. This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE – medical, dental vision; sick and vacation leave; life insurance; retirement.
Classification history includes updates in 2015, 2017, and 2018.
