MTSS Education Support Professional - Meeker 0.5 FTE

Tacoma Public Schools•Meeker Middle - 4402 Nassau Ave. N.E., WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring an MTSS Education Support Professional at Meeker for 0.5 FTE, with an expected start date of September 2, 2025. The position is scheduled for four hours per day, 195 days over a 10-month work year, and is represented by the Tacoma Association of Education Support Professionals. Salary is based on education and qualifications: $28.75 for 72 college-level credits or passing the Para Pro Test, $29.50 with an associate degree, and $29.75 with a bachelor's degree or higher. The MTSS Education Support Professional supports implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework by providing academic and behavioral support to students under the supervision of certified staff and administration. The role provides support across tiers, from reinforcing whole-class instruction to targeted small-group assistance and intensive individualized interventions. It also includes implementing prescribed interventions, collecting and maintaining student progress data, helping foster a positive learning environment, collaborating with educational staff, and supporting parent engagement under the direction of certificated staff. The position requires completion of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. Staff must complete 28 hours of district-provided Fundamental Course of Study training on the specified schedule; the general certificate is earned by completing ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development. The role may involve assisting with potty training and diapering, travel within the community to student homes, exposure to infectious disease, outdoor work in inclement weather, and meetings beyond the workday. Tacoma Public Schools offers the full range of benefits provided by the district.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Meet at least one listed education or assessment qualification: receive a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment; hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; earn 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university; or complete 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.
Complete the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate and required district training, including 28 hours of Fundamental Course of Study training and the required professional development.
Pass fingerprinting and WSP and FBI background and sexual misconduct clearances.
Have knowledge of childhood education, child development, childhood academic, social, emotional, and physical development, and child assessment and observation methods.
Have knowledge of applicable childhood education programs and the ability to support their philosophy and components.
Have skills in problem-solving, crisis situations, flexibility, working with data, operating equipment, exchanging information, basic word processing, and child and group management.
Be able to relate positively to children and families; maintain confidentiality; produce and maintain records; adapt curriculum for students with special needs; and work cooperatively with diverse teams and communities.
Be able to plan, organize, prioritize, coordinate, and multitask; gather and collate data; and schedule assigned activities, meetings, and events.
Be able to lift and carry students and up to 40 pounds; sit, stoop, bend, run, and perform the physical activities needed to support the curriculum and student safety.
Demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.

Responsibilities

Support classroom instruction for students with varying academic and behavioral needs across MTSS Tiers 1, 2, and 3.
Provide targeted small-group, one-on-one, or paired support and deliver individualized interventions as directed by certified staff.
Implement prescribed academic and behavioral interventions consistently and according to educational team guidelines.
Collect, organize, and enter student academic and behavioral data into district tracking systems; maintain accurate records to support monitoring of student progress.
Promote positive behavior and emotional well-being using positive reinforcement, conflict-resolution support, and de-escalation strategies.
Collaborate with teachers, interventionists, counselors, and other staff; attend meetings and share observations about student progress and effective strategies.
Participate in MTSS-related meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with district policies and legal requirements.
Support parent engagement by reinforcing information shared by teachers or specialists, answering general questions within the role, and sharing observations under the direction of certificated staff.
Attend relevant meetings, classes, workshops, and seminars as needed or assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned, including temporary duties and, when needed, assisting with potty training and diapering.
Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.