The Paraeducator Board consists of nine members appointed to four-year terms. The Chair is appointed by the Governor. Subject to confirmation by the senate, appointments to the Board must be made as follows:
- The Superintendent of Public Instruction appoints a basic education paraeducator, a special education paraeducator, an English Language Learner paraeducator, a teacher, a principal, and a representative of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
- The Washington State Parent Teacher Association (PTA) appoints a parent whose child receives instructional support from a paraeducator.
- The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges appoints a representative of the community and technical college system.
- The Washington Student Achievement Council appoints a representative of a four-year institution of higher education.
Board members official appointments are made through the Governor’s office. A member will continue to serve on the Board, regardless of term expiration, until either the Governor appoints a new candidate to serve or the Member’s term is renewed by to Governor.
The Paraeducator Board members are:
| Member | Title and term information |
|---|---|
 Jan Byers-Kirsch |
Associate Professor at Central Washington University Term one: July 25, 2017 – July 25, 2021 |
 Jessica Giffin |
Region 7 Director at Washington State PTA Term one: July 25, 2017 – July 24, 2021 |
 Ricardo Iñiguez |
Principal at Wenatchee High School Term one: July 25, 2017 – July 24, 2021 |
 Mandy Manning |
English Language Development Teacher at Spokane Public Schools Term one: July 25, 2017 – July 24, 2021 |
 Cindy Rockholt |
Assistant Superintendent, Educator Growth and Development at OSPI Term one: July 25, 2017 – July 24, 2021 |
 Laura Rogers |
ELL Paraeducator for Everett School District Term one: July 25, 2017 – July 24, 2021 |
 Loren Sickles |
Special Education Paraeducator for Evergreen School District Term one: July 25, 2017 – July 24, 2021 |
 Cathy Smith, Chair |
Basic Education Paraeducator for Olympia School District Term one: July 25, 2017 – July 24, 2021 |
 Ann Williamson |
Education Program Coordinator and Faculty at Lower Columbia College Term one: July 25, 2017 – July 24, 2021 |
Additional Info:
Become a board member
- Want more information? If you’d like information on serving as a member of the Professional Educator Standards Board, please contact Alexandra Manuel, PESB Executive Director, at (360) 725-6275.
- Ready to apply? If you are ready to apply to serve on the PESB, please complete the application found on the Governor’s Boards and Commissions website.
