ParaEducator (2026–2027 School Year)
(Application closes April 8 2026 at 8pm PT) or reach out to info@rootedschoolvancouver.org with questions.
THE ROLE
The Paraeducator for Student Success is one of the most important people in a student's day. You are often the first to notice when something is off — and the first to do something about it. Working alongside teachers and support staff, you provide direct academic and behavioral support across general and special education settings, help implement IEPs and intervention plans, and contribute to the kind of school culture where every student feels known, expected of, and capable of more.
At Rooted, this role is not support staff in the background. It is load-bearing work — visible, relational, and essential to our mission.
WHAT YOU OWN
Provide direct academic and behavioral support to students in individual, small group, and whole-class settings across general and special education.
Collaborate with teachers and the support team to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and other student accommodations with consistency and care.
Assist in developing and carrying out behavioral and academic intervention plans — tracking what's working, flagging what isn't, and communicating proactively with the team.
Monitor student progress daily and provide regular, specific updates to teachers and support staff so no student falls through the gap silently.
Support SDL/Intervention block by working with small groups, reinforcing skills, and helping students build independence and self-direction over time.
Assist with work-based learning and industry-based credential experiences, helping students make connections between classroom learning and real-world pathways.
Show up for the full school day — including lunch support, transitions, and any other moment where students need a trusted adult present.
Step in when a colleague is out. Preparation means you come ready. Community means you cover when it counts. Both are Rooted values and both live in this role.
Carry non-instructional duties as assigned — including lunch supervision, kitchen/dish duty, Yondr phone collection, breakfast setup, and Student Council coverage. These are not extras. They are part of how this school runs.
Participate in all-staff Professional Development every Wednesday afternoon.
WHAT STRONG PRACTICE LOOKS LIKE
You know your students — not just their IEP goals or reading levels, but what makes them shut down, what makes them lean in, and what they need from you on a hard day.
You communicate with teachers before problems become crises. You don't wait to be asked — you bring information, observations, and questions to the team.
You hold high expectations while offering genuine support. You never lower the bar because a student is struggling — you find a different way up.
You move through the school with purpose and presence. Students and staff know they can count on you.
Your practice reflects Rooted's core values: Growth, Excellence, Preparation, Hospitality, and Community — not as slogans, but as daily habits.
WE WANT TO KNOW
Tell us about a student you showed up for — not just academically, but in some bigger way. What did you notice, what did you do, and what happened? (5–8 sentences)
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree or passing score on an approved Paraeducator exam required.
2–3 years of work experience, preferably in a school or youth-serving setting.
Experience working with students from diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Familiarity with IEP implementation, behavioral support strategies, and restorative practices strongly preferred.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a close, fast-moving team.
Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
Deep commitment to Rooted's mission: every student graduates with a college acceptance and a job offer.
MINDSETS WE VALUE
Unshakeable belief in the brilliance of every student — especially those who have been told otherwise.
A whatever-it-takes orientation: you wear many hats, you don't wait to be asked, and you don't leave teammates stranded.
Radical open-mindedness — comfort with feedback, change, and not always knowing the answer.
Humility, warmth, and a commitment to showing up the same way every day, regardless of how hard the day before was.
COMPENSATION
Starting $25/per hour
Based on experience. Full-time, max 40 hours/week. Washington EPOA-compliant.
BENEFITS
SEBB Medical, dental & vision insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
In-person · Monday–Friday 8-4pm · Vancouver, WA
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
The schedule below shows what a typical week looks like for this role. Amber rows indicate non-instructional duties. The A/B block alternates Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday. Wednesday follows a condensed rotation with all-staff PD in the afternoon.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Rooted School Vancouver is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact info@rootedschoolvancouver.org.
