Paraprofessional Educator

Paraeducators have become increasingly important in K–12 education in the United States, with their use growing notably over the past few decades. These assistants work alongside educators to provide direct support to students in a variety of settings including general education classrooms; special education settings; and enrichment programs such as art, music, or physical education.

What is a Paraeducator?

Paraeducators, also known as paraprofessionals or teacher aides, are support staff who work under the direction of classroom teachers, special education teachers, early childhood educators, or other licensed instructors. They provide instructional and behavioral support to students, manage administrative tasks, and assist with other duties related to the operation of the classroom or program. Paraeducators may also be referred to as:

• Teacher assistants
• Instructional assistants
• Educational assistants
• Teacher aides 
• Classroom aides
• Library aides
• Special education assistants
• Behavior interventionists
• Tutors
• Mentors

Paraeducators may work in public or private schools, preschools, daycares, and other educational institutions.

Instructional Support

Paraeducators provide instructional support to students in a variety of settings including general education classrooms; special education settings; and enrichment programs such as art, music, or physical education. They may assist students with academic tasks such as reading, writing, or math. They may also provide behavioral support to students who need help with managing their emotions or behavior. Paraeducators may work with individual students, small groups of students, or the entire class.

Administrative Support

In addition to providing instructional support, paraeducators also perform a variety of administrative tasks.

• Grading papers, maintaining records, and preparing materials
• Operating audio-visual equipment
• Supervising students in the cafeteria, on the playground, or during other non-instructional activities
• Performing clerical duties such as answering phones, making copies, or sending emails

Working Conditions

Paraeducators typically work in school settings, such as classrooms, libraries, or gymnasiums. They may also work in other settings, such as hospitals or clinics. Paraeducators typically work during the school day, but they may also work evenings or weekends to provide support for after-school programs or special events. Paraeducators usually work under the supervision of a teacher or other licensed instructor, but they may also work independently.

Education and Training

Paraeducators are typically required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may have an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field. Paraeducators may need to complete additional training or certification in order to work with students with special needs.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for paraeducators is expected to be good through 2029. This is due to the increasing demand for special education services and the growing number of students with disabilities. Paraeducators who have a strong educational background and experience working with students with special needs will have the best job prospects.

Online Courses

Online courses can be very helpful to students who want to improve their theoretical knowledge or update their skills they need to be an effective paraeducator. The following are some of the skills and knowledge that students can gain from online courses:

• Child development and psychology
• Special education
• Behavior management
• Literacy instruction
• Math instruction
• Technology integration
• Classroom management
• English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction
• Bilingual education
• Cultural diversity
• First aid and CPR

Online courses can be a great way to supplement your education and training as a paraeducator. They can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective paraeducator in today's classrooms.