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Paraeducators

Become a paraeducator at NTPS!

What is a paraeducator?

Paraeducators are school employees who work alongside and/or under the direction of a licensed or certificated educator to support and assist in providing instructional and non-instructional services to students and their families. Also known as paraprofessionals, teacher aides, teaching assistants, and other titles, paraeducators are integral members of the instructional team.

To become a paraeducator, you must be at least eighteen years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. In addition, a paraeducator must meet one of the following:

  • Received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment;
  • Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
  • Earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university; or
  • Completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

ETS Test Information

Applicants seeking employment as instructional paraeducators who do not have an associate degree or higher will have to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment test. Visit the ESD 113 Para Pro Assessments page for information on test prep and other useful information. 

Timberland Public Library has official ETS study guides that can be checked out with a valid library card. The study guide is called ParaPro Assessment (Test codes: 0755 and 1755). 

Helpful websites for test preparation

ETS test sites, including online options

In-person option:

Education Service District 113
6005 Tyee Drive SW
Tumwater, WA 98512

Registration is required and space is limited. See test dates & register on the ESD 113 website.

Online options:

Questions?

hr@nthurston.k12.wa.us

360-412-4406

Paraeducator FAQ