[Webinar] Go beyond MCQ with the University of Edinburgh
Explore the variety of our questions to boost student engagement
What is a Paraprofessional in Education?
📌 A paraprofessional in education is a support staff member who works alongside certified teachers to deliver instruction, manage classrooms, and assist students with diverse learning needs. Consider them educational partners who collaborate with teachers to make sure every student receives the attention they need to succeed[1][2][3][4].
🎯 PURPOSE: These roles emerged in the 1950s to address teacher shortages and have evolved to meet growing classroom diversity[5][6][7][8]. Today, paraprofessionals fill critical gaps by providing the personalized support that many students require - particularly those with disabilities, English language learners, and students needing behavioral interventions[9][10][11].
⚙️ HOW THEY WORK: Working under teacher supervision, paraprofessionals reinforce lessons through one-on-one or small group instruction, implement behavior plans, assist with special education services, and help maintain inclusive classroom environments[1][2][3][4]. They collaborate closely with teachers through shared planning, data collection, and coordinated support strategies[12][13][14][15].
🎓 QUALIFICATIONS: Most paraprofessionals need a high school diploma plus either an associate's degree, two years of college coursework, or passing scores on state assessments[5][16][17]. Their role has become increasingly professionalized, with many states requiring ongoing training and certification to ensure quality support for students[5][6][8].
Sources —
[1] https://www.mykelly.com/school-paraprofessional-job-description-duties-and-responsibilities/
[2] https://www.understood.org/en/articles/paraprofessionals-what-you-need-to-know
[3] https://www.parentcenterhub.org/paras/
[4] https://shccares.com/blog/schools/the-essential-role-of-paraprofessionals-in-schools/
[6] https://uk.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/26058_Chapter_1_Why_Paraeducators.pdf
[7] https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/history-of-paraeducation/47684788
[8] https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED486435.pdf
[9] https://www.zeneducate.com/us/resources/careers-in-education/what-is-a-paraprofessional-teacher/
[10] https://parapro.ets.org/tomorrows-teacher/essential-role-of-paraeducators.html
[11] https://www.beehive.io/parenting-resources/vital-role-of-paraprofessionals
[12] https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/10-ways-teachers-can-partner-paraprofessionals-behalf-ells
[13] https://www.smartbrief.com/original/how-teachers-paraprofessionals-can-transform-special-education
[15] https://publications.ici.umn.edu/ties/peer-engagement/practice-guides/paraprofessional-facilitation
[16] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-a-paraprofessional
[17] https://www.graduateprogram.org/blog/how-to-become-a-paraprofessional/
A monthly summary of our product updates and our latest published content, directly in your inbox.