multilingual special education program

This is an internal-only program. If you are a current employee and would like to apply, please reach out to Shirley Siloi, gyo@highlineschools.org. The deadline for this program has passed. Stay tuned for updates on the next cohort starting June 2026.

The Multilingual Special Education (MSPED) program is a Grow-Your-Own teaching pathway designed for paraeducators to earn a bachelor’s in education and dual endorsements in Special Education and English Language Learners and/or Bilingual Education. Candidates work in elementary or secondary school settings while taking courses with Western WA University (WWU) in the evening.** The program is 8-quarters long, including summers, spread over two years and prepares students to work as Special Education teachers.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible, you must:

• Possess or close to completing a transferable associate's degree

• WEST-B scores (We can help you complete this assessment.)

Timeline

The next cohort will start in June 2025. Scholars will start taking university classes in June 2025 and continue working as Special Education paraprofessionals once the school year starts. 

Cost

Financial aid advising and resources will be available to students through the university.

Resources

For a detailed program overview, visit the WWU MSPED website here.

Apply

If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact Shirley Siloi in HR.

**In-person courses are held at the Puget Sound Educational Service District in Renton, WA.