How to Become a Paraprofessional

Paraprofessionals are educational professionals who are supervised by a certified teacher or other professionals in a school or educational setting. These individuals support teachers and students of all ages, from early childhood to high school. They assist students with special needs, such as those with learning or physical disabilities, depending on the school’s needs.

Paraprofessionals usually assist teachers in instructional activities, such as curriculum development, leading classroom activities, behavioral management, grading assignments, and helping students with homework. They may also assist in other areas of the school, such as monitoring hallways and cafeteria duties and providing support for lunch or after-school activities.

Paraprofessionals are often referred to as teaching assistants, instructional aides, or para-educators. They are typically employed by public and private schools, educational service agencies, community centers, and other organizations that provide educational services to students. They may work in regular education classrooms, special education classrooms, or resource rooms and may work one-on-one with students or small groups of students.

Paraprofessionals are not required to have the same level of education as a certified teacher, but they must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent educational credentials. Some states may require paraprofessionals to have an associate degree in education or a related field besides the diploma. Sometimes, paraprofessionals must pass a state-approved examination before they are granted their certification.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Paraprofessional Career Outlook

The job outlook for paraprofessionals is outstanding and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for instructional paraprofessionals is projected to remain consistent from 2024 to 2034. This growth is slower than the average rate of all other occupations, but this is a large field, with over 1,400,000 people employed as of 2024.

One of the main factors driving this career is the increasing number of students attending school, the growing emphasis on inclusion, and the need to provide services to students with complex needs, such as those with disabilities. As more and more schools and educational organizations adopt technology and other innovative teaching methods, the need for paraprofessionals to assist with these efforts is also expected to increase.

Paraprofessional Salary

The average salary for a paraprofessional varies depending on several factors, including experience, education level, and location. For example, paraprofessionals working in urban areas or with more advanced degrees may earn a higher salary. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a paraprofessional is between $41,000-$60,000 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for instructional assistants, which includes paraprofessionals, was $35,240 as of May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,180, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $40,000.

How to Become a Paraprofessional

Becoming a paraprofessional is a great way to make a difference in the lives of students and families while having a meaningful career. Paraprofessionals provide valuable support for teachers in classrooms, unique education settings, and other educational environments. Below, we discuss the steps to become a paraprofessional. The steps on how to become a paraprofessional can vary by state and school district.

1. Earn a high school diploma or GED

The first step on how to become a paraprofessional is to get a high school diploma or GED. Most states require paraprofessionals to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You can enroll in a traditional or online high school program to earn your diploma. You will be required to attend classes, complete assignments, and take exams to earn credit for your high school diploma.

If unable to attend a traditional high school program, you can take the GED test. This test covers four subjects: math, science, social studies, and language arts. You will need to pass all four sections to earn your GED. Each high school program or GED test will have its own set of requirements you will need to meet to earn your diploma or GED.

A high school diploma provides the foundation for further education and career advancement. Some employers may require additional education or training.

2. Consider getting a post-secondary education or a bachelor’s degree.

While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for paraprofessionals, in some states, many employers prefer or require candidates to have additional post-secondary credentials, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in education, special education certification, or vocational training. These programs can vary in length and content, but they typically cover topics such as child development, instructional strategies, and classroom management.

Title I, Part A paraprofessionals must earn their Educational Aide state certification within one year after getting hired. On top of that, you need to meet one qualification: complete at least 48 semester hours (or equivalent) at an institution of higher education or hold an associate degree or higher.

These educational requirements must be met before you start providing any services as a Title I paraprofessional. The certification process requires employment by a school district and specific requirements for educational aide I, II, or III classifications.

3. Complete on-the-job training

Experience is an essential factor in becoming a paraprofessional. Many positions require or prefer applicants with previous experience working in a school or educational setting.

On-the-job training provides hands-on experience and practical knowledge required to perform their duties. It enhances job performance, thus increasing productivity and improving the overall quality of services. It can also help paraprofessionals develop teamwork skills and foster a positive working environment allowing them to learn from experienced colleagues and understand how to work effectively as part of a team.

This experience can be gained through volunteer work, internships, or part-time positions.

4. Pass a state-approved examination

Some states require paraprofessionals to pass an examination, such as the Praxis Parapro Assessment, before being granted certification. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the exam, which helps schools evaluate prospective paraprofessionals. The assessment measures basic skills and knowledge in reading, writing, and math.

5. Obtain a Paraprofessional license or certification

To get a paraprofessional license or certification, you will typically need to meet specific educational and experience requirements and pass a certification exam. The requirements will vary depending on the state or organization issuing the license or certification. Some states may require that you have a high school diploma, pass an exam or complete a training program, while others may require an associate’s degree or higher. Some states may require that you complete a certain amount of coursework or training in a related field or have a certain amount of work experience in a related field.

6. Continuously learn and enhance professional development

Paraprofessionals are required to maintain their licenses or certifications and to improve their professional development continuously. This can be done through workshops, training, and attending continuing education classes.

Paraprofessionals must stay up to date with the latest developments and best practices in education by attending courses and workshops to provide the best support for teachers and students.

7. Apply for a paraprofessional position in a school or educational setting

Find job openings for the role on job boards, networking events, and educational institutions. Research the school or organization you are applying to and tailor your resume and cover letter to the position. Highlight any relevant education, certifications, or experience that make you a good candidate.

Prepare for the interview, gather any necessary documents or certifications that may be required for the job, and submit your application and resume as instructed by the organization. The cover letter should explain why you are interested in the job and how your qualifications match the position’s requirements.

Meet any additional state or district requirements, such as background checks or fingerprinting

As a paraprofessional, it is essential to complete background checks after applying for a job. Background checks help to ensure the safety and well-being of the students and staff in the school or educational setting by identifying any potential red flags or concerns that may impact their ability to perform their job effectively and safely.

Background checks scan for past convictions for crimes against children or other forms of abuse and any history of unethical or inappropriate behavior in the workplace. They also verify educational credentials and any relevant certifications or licenses that may be required for the position.

Day in the Life of a Paraprofessional

The day-to-day duties of a paraprofessional can vary depending on the setting and the position’s specific responsibilities. However, some typical duties include:

• Assisting the teacher in the classroom: This can include working with small groups of students, providing one-on-one instruction, grading assignments, or working with students with special needs.
• Monitoring student behavior: Paraprofessionals may monitor student behavior, helping to maintain a positive learning environment, and addressing any issues that may arise.
• Assisting with administrative tasks: Paraprofessionals may grade papers, preparing materials, or keeping student records.
• Supervising students during lunch or recess
• Provide support for extracurricular activities and field trips
• Communicating with parents and other professionals: Paraprofessionals may communicate with parents and other professionals, such as special education teachers or speech therapists.

Skills and Abilities Needed for a Paraprofessional

A paraprofessional’s success depends on mixing professional skills with personal qualities. Educational qualifications build your career foundation, but you need specific abilities to excel in this challenging yet rewarding role.

Students of all abilities need excellent communication skills from you. You’ll adapt your approach when talking to students, teachers, and parents to share ideas clearly and avoid confusion. Working with students who have different learning needs makes empathy vital—you’ll set aside judgment, understand their feelings, and show that understanding.

Patience stands out as a significant quality, especially during stressful situations like behavioral issues. A calm approach helps solve problems and creates a positive learning environment. A positive attitude affects how students engage with material, their output, and classroom behavior.

Being organized helps you track responsibilities and serve as a role model for students who struggle with executive function skills. This means staying prepared, monitoring student progress, and completing tasks quickly.

Your classroom management skills let you keep structure while teachers deliver lessons. You’ll need to set high expectations for students and give them the right support to succeed. These skills connect with leadership, as you guide students through new subjects and keep them motivated to learn.

You need to be adaptable when working with students who have different disabilities. Teaching strategies, materials, and student plans change often. Being creative helps you connect with students and build enjoyable lesson plans with teachers.

Teamwork skills are vital since you’ll work together with many education professionals. Good communication with everyone involved in a student’s education will give a consistent approach. Research shows approximately 400,000 paraprofessionals work in special education, and some schools have more paraprofessionals than certified special education teachers.

State requirements vary, but several offer specialized training for specific student populations:

• Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Washington offer or require special education services training
• Minnesota law requires paraprofessionals to get initial and ongoing training about roles, responsibilities, and disability-specific knowledge
• Nebraska requires 12 undergraduate or graduate credit hours in child development or early childhood education

Professional organizations suggest training in these key areas:

• Working with Behavior Intervention Plans
• Supporting students with autism
• Assisting English Language Learners
• Implementing best practices for students with learning disabilities
• Supporting students with physical needs

Throughout your career, note that paraprofessionals follow written instructional plans, implement accommodations and modifications, reinforce concepts from the instructional team, and use effective strategies to help student learning, inclusion, and growth. Mixing these technical skills with personal qualities creates a path to success in this vital educational role.

Where do Paraprofessionals Work

Paraprofessionals work in a variety of educational settings. They support students and teachers in both general and specialized learning environments. The elementary and secondary schools employ most of them, with approximately 1.1 million positions in this sector alone as of 2023. These professionals are a vital support system in K-12 education.

Classroom settings see paraprofessionals taking on multiple roles. All but one of these professionals work in special education classrooms, while others help students in general education or move between different grade levels. They cooperate with certified teachers and help reinforce new lessons to students one-on-one or in small groups. Special education paraprofessionals often shadow specific student groups throughout the day and work with teachers in classrooms.

The Education and Hospitals sector (Local Government) employs the most special education paraprofessionals, accounts for about 58% of all positions in this field. Other key industries include Elementary and Secondary Schools (15.5%), Educational Support Services (4.7%), Offices of Other Health Practitioners (3.5%), Individual and Family Services (3.1%), and Local Government excluding Education and Hospitals (2.6%).

Location matters a lot to aspiring paraprofessionals planning their career path. Employment data shows several states that consistently offer reliable job opportunities:

• California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois have the most paraprofessional positions, thanks to their large public education systems and diverse student populations
• Vermont (18.41 jobs per 1,000), Iowa (15.83), New York (14.12), North Dakota (14.08), and Kansas (14.01) have the highest concentration of paraprofessional jobs compared to overall employment

Paraprofessionals are a vital cultural and linguistic bridge in many schools. Bilingual paraprofessionals help English language learners with essential language support. Many live in their students’ neighborhoods and share cultural traditions, which makes them valuable community connections.

These professionals help students with physical disabilities develop adaptive skills, including self-care and communication. Some work with school nurses to support students who need medical help. The pandemic created specialized roles like para classroom managers who oversee students during independent work, lunch periods, or remote learning sessions.

Paraprofessionals face big workplace challenges despite their vital contributions. They work about 35 hours weekly at schools and earn around $19 per hour. A third of them work two or more jobs—usually outside education—and more than 25% can’t afford housing where they work. Career growth opportunities exist, including lead teacher assistant positions that can cover for teachers during absences up to 10 days yearly.

The number of paraprofessionals in the United States has more than doubled in the last three decades. They reached about 1,400,000 in 2024 (compared to 3.2 million teachers). This growth shows both the rising need for educational support staff and these professionals’ vital role in modern education.

Professional Organizations that Paraprofessionals Can Join

Professional organizations give paraprofessionals great networking opportunities, resources, and career advancement support. These associations provide ongoing professional development that builds on your original requirements for a paraprofessional position.

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization that helps children with disabilities or exceptional talents succeed. CEC promotes appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, and helps professionals get resources they need to work effectively. The Paraeducator Special Interest Group (SIG), a part of CEC, promotes professional practices of paraprofessionals who serve people with exceptionalities. You can join this specialized group without any charge.

Several other organizations welcome paraprofessional members:

• National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
• National Association for Bilingual Education
• Council for Learning Disabilities
• AFT Paraprofessionals and School Related Personnel
• International Reading Association
• National Center for Learning Disabilities

These organizations provide valuable resources throughout your career. To name just one example, The Paraprofessional Connection monthly newsletter shares ideas and strategies that boost performance. This four-page publication has over 25 years of experience in creating successful educational relationships with staff and students. You can subscribe to email lists and get notifications when new issues become accessible.

Some organizations have associate-level memberships designed for educational aides. The Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) welcomes educational aides, substitute teachers, and school secretaries as Associate members.

These professional connections ended up supporting your growth in key areas. You’ll learn to implement behavior intervention plans, support students with autism, help English Language Learners, and apply best practices for students with learning disabilities. They bridge the gap between your original ParaPro certificate requirements and ongoing professional development needs.

These organizations become more valuable as you grow in your career. They offer specialized training that arranges with the variety of settings where paraprofessionals work. You’ll find a community of peers who face similar challenges and opportunities, making them essential resources for long-term success in this rewarding field.

Next Steps

Becoming a paraprofessional is a great way to support teachers and students. It requires only a high school diploma or equivalent, but may also require additional education or certification, depending on state requirements.

Paraprofessionals are in high demand and can look forward to good job security and competitive salary. Contact the relevant regulatory agency or professional organization or research to find out your state’s requirements for licensure, certifications, and continuing education. With the proper education and training, anyone can become a paraprofessional and make a difference in students’ lives.