Paraeducator Board Newsletter

para newsletter header

May 28, 2019

Next meeting

Date: July 17-18, 2019

Location:
Semiahmoo Resort
9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy
Blaine, WA 98230


Upcoming 2019 meetings

  • September 25-26
  • November 13

For additional information, visit our website.


Board members

  • Jan Byers-Kirsch
  • Jessica Giffin
  • Ricardo Iñiguez
  • Mandy Manning
  • Cindy Rockholt
  • Laura Rogers
  • Loren Sickles
  • Cathy Smith (Chair)
  • Ann Willamson

Stay updated

We send regular updates, reminders and newsletters around agency programs and initiatives.

Stay informed by joining our email subscriber list.


Join us on social media

Did you know that PESB and the Paraeducator Board are on social media? Follow along for daily updates, milestones reached, reminders and resources.

Find us on:

Use #PESBimpact or #WAparaPower to join the conversation

The Fundamental Course of Study is (partially) funded

The legislative session came to an end on April 28, revealing an allocated amount of $12,001,000 for Washington school districts to provide two days of training (14 hours) to their paraeducators on the Fundamental Course of Study during the 2019-20 school year.

We have created an FAQ document with additional details and guidance on program requirements, implementation, and reimbursement. View the FAQ.


Upcoming learning opportunities on new paraeducator training requirements

Several upcoming learning opportunities are scheduled to help prepare and support school districts on their new training requirements.

Workshops | Legislative impacts on bargaining and paraeducator training implementation

When: May 31, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Where: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton at Southcenter

Attendees will receive a presentation from PESB and have an opportunity to ask questions regarding implementation. Specific focus will be on:

  • We understand the why, now join us for the HOW.
  • How are districts doing this? What is the framework?
  • When are districts doing this?
  • What are districts offering?

Register online.

Webinar | Fundamental Course of Study: Suggestions on how to implement

When: June 5, from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

After a presentation on the changes to the program, this webinar will be an opportunity to answer audience questions. This webinar is open to the public but is intended for school districts implementers and training providers.

Register online.

Training workshop | "Train the Trainer"

When: June 24, 26, and 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

These training sessions will provide a foundation to school district implementers and trainers on the certificate program, what it entails and how to implement it. The primary focus will be on the Fundamental Course of Study, but we will also provide information on the program as a whole.

The same training will be provided in three locations, so you only need to register for one. Please register as soon as possible as space is limited.

Where:

  • June 24, 2019: ESD 101, Spokane, WA
  • June 26, 2019: ESD 121, Renton, WA
  • June 27, 2019: ESD 112, Vancouver, WA

Register online.


What happened at the May Board meeting?

On May 15-16, the Paraeducator Board heard presentations and supported many important policies, including:

  • Received updates on the paraeducator pilot program and the development of online courses for the ELL and Special Education Subject Matter Certificates;
  • Approved all recommendations from the subcommittee that reviewed outstanding process questions concerning the Paraeducator Certificate Program. Two of the recommendations include further defining “employed” years and requiring documentation for the completion of the Fundamental Course of Study units;
  • Chose to not define the first two days of training on the Fundamental Course of Study. This means that the Board is providing school districts with the most flexibility in choosing the first 14 hours of the Fundamental Course of Study.

For a complete review of the May Board meeting, including summaries for each tab, please visit our online resource.


Scholarship available for paraeducators to receive AA degree

The Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Loan Scholarship provides funding for paraeducators interested in earning their residency teaching certificate. To qualify, candidates must:

  • Have a minimum of three years of classroom experience; and
  • Not have a college degree.

The scholarship awards candidates with up to $4,000 towards earning their Associate of Arts (AA) degree from a Washington community or technical college. Those awarded will be required to complete their AA within two years of the award date, making them eligible to enroll in an Alternative Route 1 program to earn certification. Teaching for two years in a subject matter shortage area will meet the service requirement for loan forgiveness.

The next deadline to submit your application is June 7.

For more information on the requirements and responsibilities of candidates, please visit our website.