Special Education Speech Assistant Para Educator - temporary for the 2026-2027 school year

Walla Walla Public Schools•Walla Walla, WA

About The Position

This position assists virtual certificated staff with instructional support tasks related to students’ educational development and serves as a positive role model. The role supports students receiving communication services through an IEP, including students who need behavioral and social-skills support, and helps implement social-skills training. Under the direction of a speech-language pathologist (SLP), the para educator learns instructional techniques and works with classroom teachers, the virtual SLP, and building leaders. The position also assists with assessment, monitoring student progress in therapy and other school activities, preparing instructional materials, and maintaining records. The para educator reports to the building administrator and receives guidance from designated staff, including the SLP. Work assignments and locations may change according to district needs. The position is 6.5 hours per day, five days per week, for 189 days per school year, and is temporary for the 2026–2027 school year.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
An associate degree, 72 college-level credits, or the ability to pass the Federal Para-Educator test.
Experience working with students in an educational setting and/or evidence of interest in supporting learning experiences.
Basic knowledge of technology, including logging into systems, setting up computer programs, and using virtual meeting spaces.
Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents, including by phone and email.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the public.
Ability to serve as a positive role model and interact positively with students.
Knowledge or awareness of one’s own cultural identity and how it influences behavior, and a desire to learn about others’ cultural identities.
Ability to foster cultural competence and equitable treatment of district staff, students, and patrons.
Fingerprinting and a background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.
Required to attend training for de-escalation procedures.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
A CPR/First Aid card may be required depending on job assignment.

Responsibilities

Provide instructional support to students receiving communication services through an IEP.
Provide support and structure for students needing behavioral and social-skills support.
Implement and reinforce social-skills training programs.
Assist certificated staff with record-keeping, material development, and preparation of teaching aids.
Learn instructional techniques under the direction of a speech-language pathologist.
Collaborate with classroom teachers, the virtual speech-language pathologist, and building leaders.
Assist in assessing students.
Monitor and assist student progress in therapy settings and other school activities.
Communicate with the public in a manner that promotes positive public relations.
Perform routine classroom and building clerical tasks as needed.
Potentially serve on district committees or departmental work teams.
Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.