TEACHER/PARAEDUCATOR QUALIFICATIONS

TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS

In compliance with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parents of children attending Title I, Part A schools have the right to request and receive information about the qualifications of the teacher and paraprofessionals who provide instruction to students. 

The following information may be requested for teacher(s):

  • Whether the teacher has met Washington teacher certification requirements for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
  • Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Washington qualifications or certification criteria have been waived.
  • The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher.
  • Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

PARAEDUCATORS QUALIFICATIONS                                                  
In a Title I, Part A program, paraprofessionals must work under the supervision of a certified teacher.  In schools that operate a Schoolwide program, any paraeducator who is the direct supervision of a certificated teacher must meet professional qualifications. 

The following information may be requested for instructional paraprofessional(s):

Para-educators can provide a copy of their high school diploma — transcripts are not necessary. Schools that operate a Title I, Part A program must have a high school diploma or GED and completed the following:

  1. Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
  2. Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or
  3. Pass the ETS Para Pro Assessment. The assessment measures skills, and content knowledge related to reading, writing and math;
  4. Completed previously the apprenticeship requirements and must present a journey card or certificate. The portfolio and apprenticeships are no longer offered for enrollment; however, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will continue to honor this pathway.  

If you wish to request information concerning your child’s teacher’s and instructional paraprofessional’s qualification, please contact District Office - HR at 509.476.2281.

 

Notification If the Child's Teacher Has Limited WA State Certification/Licensure Requirements