Description Tacoma Public Schools Expected Start Date: As soon as possible FTE: .75 Hours per day: 6 (8:30 am - 3:00 pm) Salary Level: PA4A $26.81 - No degree
PA4E $27.56 - AA degree
PA4F $27.81 - BA/BS or higher degree
Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools. Union/Days per year: Education Support Professional, 192 work days, 10 month
Additional Information: This position requires completion and attaining of the state mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. The Paraeducator Certificate Program offers statewide standards-based training for all paraeducator/Education Support Professionals (ESP), and supports a career growth ladder for those who wish to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession.
Staff will be required to complete 28 hours of training on the Fundamental Course of Study provided by the district. The first two days of FCS training will be required to be completed within four months of the date of hire, and the second two days within six months of the date of hire, or by September 1 of the next school year. The general certificate is then earned by a paraeducator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.
Examples Of DutiesThis position assists a certificated teacher or staff member; tutors students individually or in small groups; monitors students in the classroom, at lunch, in the playground, at the assigned school(s)/building(s) cross walks, and/or boarding buses; and provides general classroom and/or office assistance, as assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS1. Tutors children individually or in small groups on a variety of subjects, as assigned; compiles, reviews, and records student assignments and progress.
2. Monitors student behavior in the classroom, lunchroom, during detention, and/or at recess; disciplines students according to procedures; monitors students entering or leaving the building, between classes, and/or boarding buses.
3. As directed, provides for the safety of students to, from, and within, the assigned schools/buildings; ensures safe crossing of public roadways and intersections by assisting students on their way to and from school through communication to traffic and District crossing rules; reports unsafe behavior of children to school officials; may discuss traffic routing plans and control point locations with school/building administrator.
4. Assists teacher with classroom management; assists in preparing lessons; duplicates, organizes, distributes, and files learning materials; assists teacher in preparing student progress reports.
5. Provides school office assistance, as assigned; answers telephone and takes messages, files, duplicates materials, sorts mail, types bulletins, or other documents; provides basic first aid in the absence of the school health room personnel.
6. Administers District tests, records student scores, and reports results.
7. May pull students from classroom to tutor in assigned subjects for brief periods as assigned; may move between classrooms throughout the day to tutor various small groups of students for brief periods as assigned.
8. Attends building staff meetings; provides information regarding students; attends program meetings and workshops.
OTHER JOB DUTIES1. May travel between schools to work with students, as assigned.
2. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis, to assist the teachers or administrative staff.
3. Attends training meeting, as assigned.
4. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
CONDITIONSRequired to work outdoors in inclement weather; occasionally required to deal with difficult and sensitive situations and /or people; required, or may have to travel to District and other sites within the community; constant seeing and hearing are required to fulfill job responsibilities; job may be subject to exposure to environmental and/or physical hazards; may be required to shift and prioritize tasks; required to stand and/or walk for prolonged periods; may be exposed to infectious disease; may be exposed to high noise levels; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.
Minimum QualificationsEducation and ExperienceAssociate’s degree or 72 quarter credit hours of post-secondary education, or completed an apprenticeship program, or passing grade on the Education Testing Service Paraeducator assessment test (Para-Pro) to demonstrate knowledge and ability to assist in instructing students; one year of prior experience working with school-aged youth, preferably in a classroom setting; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work and that meets federal and state requirements.
Licenses/Special RequirementsEducational Assistants working with the health impaired may be required to obtain a first aid certificate and training in CPR.
Completion of District training for school crossing guards is required.
Valid Washington State driver’s license with access to personal transportation.
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Allowable SubstitutionEquivalent combinations of education and experience will be evaluated by the Human Resources office for comparability.
Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of childhood academic, social and physical development.
Knowledge of assigned subject areas.
Skill in logical thinking.
Skill in communication.
Skill in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information.
Skill in promoting a quality customer service environment.
Ability to organize and prioritize work.
Ability to operate personal computer with applicable software applications.
Ability to read, understand, and follow written instruction.
Ability to concentrate on tasks at hand.
Ability to work effectively as a team.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to follow instructions and accept constructive criticism.
Ability to obtain, clarify and exchange information.
Ability to organize and coordinate activities with assistance of classroom teacher
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.
Supplemental InformationThis job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
- Civil Rights Coordinator: Renee Trueblood, 253-571-1252, civilrights@tacoma.k12.wa.us
- Title IX Coordinator: Wayne Greer, 253-571-1191, wgreer@tacoma.k12.wa.us
- 504 Coordinator: Elise Friedrich-Nielsen, 253-571-1065, efriedr@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Mailing address: P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357.
Closing Date/Time: 10/2/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
