SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Paraeducators in Mead are rallying for better compensation and benefits from Mead School District.
Paraeducators are specialized teachers who work directly with students who have various emotional, social and/or developmental needs.
A recent audit by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction found 150,000 students qualify for paraeducation services in Washington.
According to the audit, there’s a national shortage of paraeducators.
Laura Ketchum is a para educator in Mead School District and said paraeducators in Washington are struggling.
“I’ve seen it dramatically decline so much. Just last year alone, there were 19 of us who left Mead High School due to not communicating the staffing, the shortage of the pay rate and what these students do to our paras. It’s not worth it,” she said.
According to Laura, pay for full-time employees in Mead School District is just under $21 an hour.
She said the growing workload is causing many teachers to feel burnt out.
Paraeducators at Mead School District held a rally on October 17 and are asking the district for high pay, more sick days and better communication from the district.
Another rally is scheduled for October 21.
4 News Now reached out to Mead School District for comment, but did not hear back by the time of publication.
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
