ETS Praxis Program Partners with Washington Educator Standards Board on Paraeducator Entry
ETS's Praxis program and the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) have launched a statewide partnership to remove barriers for individuals seeking to enter the state's paraeducator workforce.
PRINCETON, N.J. and OLYMPIA, Wash. – September 29, 2026 – ETS's Praxis program and the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) have announced a statewide partnership utilizing ETS Praxis's ParaPathways solution to eliminate entry barriers for Washington's paraeducator workforce.
The collaboration centers on a three-stage assessment model covering preparation, licensure, and skill development for paraeducators. This approach integrates certification with classroom readiness, ensuring candidates meet state requirements while building practical competencies for school environments.
Under the partnership, Washington's paraeducators will gain access to preparation resources for the assessment, the ParaPathways assessment itself, and a faster route to employment through the ParaPathways Bridge. ETS is also providing vouchers to cover assessment fees, removing financial obstacles to entering the profession. The board highlights the crucial role paraeducators play in supporting student learning within the educational system.
The ETS Praxis program aims to support educators throughout their careers, from initial steps to ongoing professional development. This partnership is expected to bolster paraeducator recruitment in Washington and establish a model that other states can adopt to strengthen their educator workforce.