Education Support Professional MTSS - Lyon

Tacoma Public Schools•Lyon Elementary - 101 E 46th St., WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Education Support Professional (ESP) supports the implementation of the MTSS framework by providing academic and behavioral support to students under the supervision of certified staff and administration. The role works with students individually and in small groups, collects and maintains data, and assists with interventions designed to meet students’ varying needs. The ESP reinforces whole-class instruction, provides targeted small-group support, and delivers individualized interventions as directed by certified staff. The position also supports positive behavior and emotional well-being, contributes to coordinated student support with school staff and families, and maintains the privacy and confidentiality of student information. The position is based at Lyon and is listed at 0.8125 FTE, with 6.5 work hours plus a 30-minute duty-free lunch period, for a total of 7 hours on campus. The schedule is 183 work days over 10 months. The expected start date is November 2026. Required training includes the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate and 28 hours of district-provided Fundamental Course of Study training. The general certificate is earned after completing ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Meet an accepted education or assessment pathway: qualifying score on the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment as published by PESB; an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university; or completion of a registered paraeducator apprenticeship.
Have one year of related work experience and/or experience working with students and parents in a community or school setting, or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.
Complete and attain the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. Complete 28 hours of district-provided Fundamental Course of Study training, with the first two days within four months of hire and the second two days within six months of hire or by September 1 of the next school year; the general certificate requires ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.
Complete district training as required by the position assignment.
Pass fingerprinting and WSP and FBI background and sexual misconduct clearances.
Demonstrate knowledge of childhood education and development, including academic, social, emotional, and physical development; child assessment and observation; and applicable program philosophy and components.
Demonstrate problem-solving and crisis-management skills; flexibility in working with others; ability to work with data and operate equipment using standardized methods; information-gathering and communication skills; basic word-processing skills; and effective child and group management strategies.
Be able to relate positively with children and families; maintain confidentiality and records; adapt curriculum for students with special needs; prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks; and work cooperatively with diverse groups and teams.
Be able to lift and carry students and perform physical activities including sitting, stooping, bending, and running.
Educational assistants working with health-impaired students may be required to obtain a first aid certificate and CPR training.

Responsibilities

Support students at differing academic and behavioral levels: reinforce whole-class instruction, provide targeted small-group support, and deliver individualized or paired intensive interventions as directed by certified staff.
Implement prescribed academic and behavioral interventions under the supervision of teachers or MTSS specialists, following educational-team guidelines and delivering interventions consistently.
Collect, organize, and maintain student academic, behavioral, and intervention-response data; enter information into district assessment or tracking systems and assist staff in monitoring student growth.
Promote a positive and nurturing learning environment through positive reinforcement, conflict-resolution support, and de-escalation strategies.
Collaborate with teachers, interventionists, counselors, and other staff; attend team meetings and share observations and insights about student progress and effective strategies.
Participate in MTSS-related meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
Protect the privacy and confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with district policies and legal requirements.
Support parent engagement under the direction of certificated staff by reinforcing information about classroom routines, intervention strategies, and student participation, answering general questions within the role, and contributing observations to parent-teacher collaboration.
Attend meetings, classes, workshops, and seminars as needed or assigned to maintain current knowledge of childhood education, developmentally appropriate practices, and program requirements.
Enter data into appropriate student assessment or tracking systems as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned on a temporary basis; may assist with potty training and diapering.
Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance and physical presence.
Plan preschool curriculum to meet individual and group needs, as listed among required abilities.
Organize and promote parent education, as listed among required abilities.