This position is eligible for benefits through the Washington State SEBB system.

 

Description:

The Access for All Paraeducator is an essential member of the elementary instructional team, providing targeted literacy support to students within an inclusive classroom environment. Working collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education teachers, learning support staff, and English Language Development (ELD) specialists, the paraeducator helps implement evidence-based literacy instruction that supports all learners, with particular emphasis on students with reading difficulties and disabilities, including dyslexia.

 

This position is designed to ensure students receive high-quality, differentiated instruction while remaining fully integrated with their peers. The paraeducator fosters both academic growth and student confidence by delivering structured small-group instruction and reinforcing literacy skills throughout the school day.

 

Mercer Island School District is committed to supporting paraeducators through comprehensive training, ongoing coaching, and collaborative professional learning. Prior experience with structured literacy or dyslexia instruction is not required. Successful candidates will receive training in evidence-based literacy practices, multisensory instructional strategies, and the district's instructional model while working alongside experienced teachers, specialists, and instructional leaders. The district values individuals who are eager to learn, collaborate, and grow as educators in service of ensuring every student becomes a confident, capable reader.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

Assist instructional staff with operational and instructional duties.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist instructional staff in the supervision of students while in school or on field trips
• Assist instructional staff with preparation of instructional material
• Operate standard office and AV equipment
• Assist students in small groups; tutor at instructional staff request
• Assist instructional staff in daily classroom operation & management
• May escort students to and from various parts of campus
• Assist instructional staff in maintaining a safe classroom environment.
• Assist instructional staff in creating & maintaining a classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Update and maintain records and files as assigned
• Communicate effectively with staff and parents regarding students
• Attend required staff meetings
• Attend periodic training as necessary
• Serve assigned role in Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Duties directly related to the purpose of the job.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Washington State Paraprofessional Qualifications

 

Be at least 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma or equivalent; and meet one of the below:  

• have received a passing grade on the Education Testing Service’s ParaPro Assessment (“ETS Assessment”); or
• hold an AA degree; or  
• have earned 72 quarter credits or 48-semester credits at an institution of higher learning; or  
• have completed a registered apprentice program.

District Requirements 

• Meet State qualifications
• 1-3 years of experience working with children or young adults
• Language Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation, and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information in one-on-one and small group situations to other employees, and/or students.
• Mathematical Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Reasoning Ability - Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Must have strong communications, computer, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the community.
• Patience in dealing with parents and students.
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with all District and State requirements and policies.

  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate through speech and push items on wheels.

• Occasionally, but essentially, the employee must be able to repeat the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times (i.e. typing data entry, etc.), utilize finger dexterity. The employee may occasionally walk, stand, sprint/run, bend or twist at the neck and trunk more than the average person, squat/stoop/kneel, reach above the head, reach forward, climb (on ladders, into large vehicles, etc.), utilize hand/grip strength, utilize manual dexterity (i.e. using a wrench or screwing a lid onto a jar), lift up to 50 pounds floor to waist, lift up to 25 pounds from floor to overhead.
• Specific vision and hearing required by this job include seeing objects/persons at a distance, hearing conversation in a quiet environment, hearing differences among bells, buzzers, beeps, horns, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works inside and outside, works in loud noise areas, is exposed to VDTs and CRTs, is exposed to infection (germs, bacteria, viruses), and is exposed to environmental allergens (grasses, weeds, pollens, trees).
• The employee may occasionally work in temperatures below 32 degrees, walk on slippery surfaces, be exposed to sunlight, work where there are sudden temperature changes, be at risk of getting bitten by animals or insects, meet deadlines with severe time constraints, or work irregular or extended hours.

PAY AND CLASSIFICATION

Category 2, Position 1 – Per the Classified Collective Bargaining Agreement

 

Applicants with an active Washington State Teaching Certificate or Permit will be placed at Paraprofessional (Position 1) - Step 3 of the MIEA salary schedule after the Certificate or Permit has been submitted to Human Resources.