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The Milepost: A Look at The Life of a Special Education Para

Posted Date: 11/12/25 (5:00 PM)
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The Milepost newsletter logo which features the image of a mountain with the Chehalis School District compass logo rising above it like a sun

A Day in the Life

Our Special Education Paras Share The Joy of Their Jobs

November 12, 2025
A special education para at W.F. West High School assists a student at lunch

A Job With Heart

Paraprofessionals are a large part of how we're preparing students for the journey ahead. They're there to support the educational process by offering our teachers an extra hand and ensuring all students have what they need to learn.

At its core, the work of our Special Education Paraprofessionals (the area where our district currently has the most job openings) is no different than that of a paraprofessional in a general education setting: it's a job that requires a big heart and a passion for kids.

"I love seeing all of the growth in the kiddos. It makes me so happy," said Ruth Stoker, a Special Education Paraprofessional who works at the developmental preschool at James Lintott Elementary.
A special education preschool para works with a student
The job of a Special Education Paraprofessional is varied and based on the needs of each individual student, explained W.F. West High School Special Education Teacher Matt Klovdahl. Some students require one-on-one attention, while others only need minimal assistance in a general education classroom setting.

No prior training or experience in special education is required, he added. They'll teach newcomers what they need to know to help students. What they're really looking for is people who truly have a heart for helping students learn and grow.

"If they love kids, we can train them," Klovdahl said. "We'll train them. We'll support them. We'll put them to work and we'll put them in a place they'll be successful."

Why Do You Love Your Job?

We asked some of our Special Education Paras what they love about their job and here are some of the answers we got:
  • Making a Difference: Watching their students work hard, grow their skills and hit milestones
  • Professional Support: Being placed in work environments that stress training, teamwork and assignments that play to the employee's strengths and comfort level
  • Relationships: Having the ability to work with the same students for multiple years and having the time to really get to know them
  • Commitment Variety - Full time, part-time or substitute positions available
  • School-aligned work - Having similar hours and days-off to their students

Who Would Make a Great Special Ed Para?

We asked few of of our Special Ed Paras what skills or personality traits might make someone a great addition to their team. Here's what they said:
  • Passion for Kids - Someone who is interested in helping kids of every skill and ability
  • Flexible - Every day is different and every student is different. Being able to embrace differences, pivot when needed and be open to learning new skills and strategies is important
  • Education Majors: If you've considered teaching or another career in the education field, a para position can be a good introduction to the life inside a school building
  • Parent Volunteer: Many of our paras started out as parent volunteers. They loved the work and decided to make a career out of it.
 

Chehalis Schools Want You!

The 2025-2026 school year is already in session but the Chehalis School District is still hiring. We're in particular need of individuals who want to apply to become paraprofessionals, special education paraprofessionals and substitutes.

How Do I Become a Para?

Paraprofessionals need to:
  • Be at least 18
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Meet one other requirement: hold a AA or higher; earn at least 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits; or pass one of three tests for paraprofessionals.

Where Do I Apply?

You can read more about all of our job openings, requirements, pay rates and how to apply on our Job Openings page at THIS LINK

If you would like to read more about how to become a paraprofessional, check out our Human Resources home page at THIS LINK.