About Seattle Amistad School
Seattle Amistad School (SAS) is a Spanish-English dual language immersion independent school in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, serving students from early learning through 8th grade. Our school is grounded in three pillars: Academic Excellence, Joy, and Belonging. We believe that every child deserves an education that sees and honors who they are.
Job Overview
Paraeducators at SAS are essential partners in creating classrooms where every learner thrives. This position supports students with a range of learning profiles — including students with IEPs, 504 plans, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety, giftedness, and other neurodivergent strengths — in a joyful, bilingual environment. You will collaborate closely with lead teachers and specialists to implement supports that honor each student’s full humanity.
We are looking for someone who sees neurodiversity as a strength, not a deficit. The ideal candidate brings warmth, flexibility, and a genuine love of learning alongside kids who experience the world differently.
Key Responsibilities
Student Support
- Provide individualized, strengths-based support to students across learning profiles in bilingual classroom settings
- Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in plans, and learning profiles, in partnership with teachers and specialists
- Use co-regulation strategies, sensory breaks, and flexible pacing to support student readiness and emotional well-being
- Read cues for when a student needs more support, more space, or a different approach — and respond with curiosity rather than correction
- Support students’ Spanish and English language development through scaffolded, meaningful interactions
Collaboration
- Partner with lead teachers, the Academic Director, and specialists (speech, OT, counseling) to implement instructional strategies consistently
- Participate in team meetings, student support team (SST) processes, and professional learning days
- Communicate respectfully and proactively with families, honoring cultural and linguistic diversity
- Contribute observations and insights to support accurate documentation and student progress tracking
Classroom Community
- Help create and maintain a classroom environment that is predictable, welcoming, and sensory-aware
- Model inclusive language, restorative practices, and a growth mindset for all students
- Support transitions, routines, and small-group or one-on-one instruction as needed
- Adapt materials and learning tasks to meet diverse access needs
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework preferred
- Spanish language proficiency (conversational or stronger) — our school operates in both Spanish and English
- Experience working with children or youth in an educational, therapeutic, or community setting
- Genuine commitment to neurodiversity-affirming, culturally responsive, and inclusive education
- Ability to build trusting relationships with students who may have experienced frustration, shame, or exclusion in school settings
- Patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor
Preferred
- Experience supporting students with IEPs, 504 plans, or identified learning differences
- Familiarity with trauma-informed practices, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Zones of Regulation, or similar frameworks
- Experience in a dual language immersion or multilingual school setting
- Coursework or training in special education, child development, or a related field
- Experience in a dual language immersion or multilingual school setting
- Washington State Paraeducator Certificate (OSPI-approved) or active progress toward completion
You'll Thrive Here If You...
- Believe every child is capable and deserving of genuine belonging
- See behaviors as communication, not defiance
- Are curious about how different minds learn and excited to keep growing your practice
- Value collaboration and can receive and give feedback graciously
- Are energized (or at least not daunted) by a busy, joyful, bilingual school
Compensation & Working Conditions
- Salary: $25–$35/hour, depending on experience and qualifications
- Schedule: Part-time position to start
- Location: On-site at Seattle Amistad School
- Benefits: Eligible employees receive paid leave, professional development funding, and access to a collaborative, mission-driven school community
How to Apply
Please send a resume and a short cover letter (no more than one page) telling us what draws you to this role and to SAS. We’re more interested in your values and your story than in a perfect application. Send materials to: [email protected] We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submissions.
Seattle Amistad School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, sex, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic, in any of its activities or operations. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, compensation, programming, scholarships and financial aid, and participation in school activities and events.
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
