How to become A Paraeducator

While great teachers remain sources of inspiration across the globe, the fact is that teaching is difficult. Paraeducators step in to bridge the gap between teachers and students. Their presence makes it easier for the teacher to focus on educating and the students to engage in learning.

• Paraprofessional Educator
• Para-Pro
• Instructional Assistant
• Educational Assistant
• Teacher’s Aide
• Classroom Assistant

What do Paraeducators do?

A Paraeducator would typically need to:

• Offer an extra level of instructional support and guidance to students inside and outside the classroom under the direction and supervision of a certified teacher
• Ensure the students they support engage in learning and stay on task during the lesson/activity so that they can become independent learners
• Encourage students with emotional or learning disabilities to speak up in class when they have the correct answer to a question
• Reinforce the lesson by reviewing the material with the students one-on-one or in small groups
• Monitor and record the students’ progress; provide detailed and regular feedback to the concerned teachers
• Conform to school and class rules while helping the teacher in managing challenging student behaviour and promoting positive behaviour 
• Assist the teacher with taking attendance and calculating grades; lead certain class activities under the supervision of the teacher
• Set up the equipment or materials to help the teacher prepare for the lesson; clear everything away after the class is completed
• Take classes on their own to give the teacher time to plan and mark work; help with planning lessons
• Offer assistance during exams; cover the absence of other Paraeducators in the class; offer instructional support in the school computer lab, library or media centre
• Help with extracurricular activities such as after-school clubs, homework club and revision sessions
• Monitor the students outside the classroom between classes, during lunch/recess and on field trips
• Support the students’ social and emotional development; report any issues, if required
• Take care of pupils who meet with accidents with genuine concern; administer first aid, if necessary
• Help children, particularly those with special education needs, with coordination skills such as holding pencils properly or tying shoelaces
• Liaise with other professionals, parents and caregivers

Paraeducators work on the school premises, for the most part in classrooms; they may also frequent the dining areas and playgrounds. If there is space for them, they use the office to help with grading papers or assisting with admin work. They may travel when accompanying children on school trips.

Most Paraeducators work part-time. Those who work full-time keep regular school hours, Monday to Friday, unless their presence is required for training days, parent-teacher meetings and examinations.

Paraeducators can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting schools and the local education authorities directly, using job search platforms and checking with educational recruitment agencies. Vacancies are usually advertised in local newspapers. However, it will help to check the specific school, council or recruitment websites for viable opportunities.

Paraeducators are generally employed by:

• Academies
• Colleges
• Independent Schools
• Nurseries
• Mainstream Primary & Secondary Schools
• Special Schools

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), are crucial for Paraeducatorts interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Risk of injuries such as strains while lifting and otherwise assisting special education students
• Authority to make significant decisions lacking when compared with the amount of responsibility
• Stress due to lack of knowledge of professional boundaries and failure to follow the chain of command
• Conflict with teachers and other school staff over boundaries
• Frequently noisy classroom atmosphere; need to undertake messy and dirty tasks
• Stress from having to monitor students in a crowded and very noisy lunchroom or cafeteria
• Accountable for the safety and security of students during recess, on field trips and when assisting them to get on the bus at the end of the day

Degree programs with practical placements in education, youth work and childhood studies may count towards experience but confirm with potential employers. A part-time or full-time work experience may serve as a good substitute if your academic program does not offer such opportunities. 

An intermediate or advanced internship can help you work in a school during your training and be paid a salary. However, Paraeducator posts are highly competitive and prove more accessible when you have relevant work experience.

Relevant experience working in childcare, educational settings, nurseries, sports activities, summer camps, tutoring and youth work hold more value than academic qualifications. 

Since very few structured work experiences exist, volunteer to help part-time in a local school before entering a course to train as a Paraeducator. Contact the schools directly. Ensure your CV details your career ambitions and the areas you may wish to assist in, such as literacy, IT or after-school clubs.

Other helpful experiences include taking on the role of student ambassador at your university, which typically involves working part-time to promote higher education and a specific subject area in local schools. Your career service could also recommend volunteer or paid opportunities to work with children and young people.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in teaching to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Applicants for the post of Paraeducators in public schools have an associate degree or completed at least two years of college coursework, or passed a standardised academic assessment test. They must be able to develop educational material, observe students and understand their role in the classroom.

Elsewhere, math and English skills of a high school diploma level and relevant experience will fetch you entry-level positions. You can then acquire Professional Development Awards on a part-time, day-release or evening basis in a college.

However, a degree in child development or education will prove your competence to becoming a Paraeducator and assist the teacher. You will need to pass a skills test if you wish to work with students with special needs.

Each school has its entry requirements; check vacancies carefully to understand the required skills, experience, and paraeducator qualifications.

Some schools invite Paraeducators who have certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid from objective and reputed organisations. Since you will be working with children, your employer will likely ask you to undergo checks for previous criminal convictions. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Paraeducators who can advance from entry-level to higher-level positions where they will have more independence in planning lessons, developing support materials and delivering lessons.  

Paraeducators with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible to become Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers or Special Education Teachers after obtaining additional education, training and a license or certification.

There is also the option to work with children in nurseries and playgroup/playleader, childminding or residential childcare facilities.

Candidates who have a minimum of a two-year degree, experience working with children with special needs, and speak a foreign language have the best job prospects.

Effective Paraeducators continue to enhance their learning through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. 

A four-year degree will facilitate your career advancement, as would practical work-based certifications at different skill levels. They can help you prepare to work in schools, to support teaching and learning in schools.

On-going training and development programs usually comprise a mixture of in-house and externally-led training courses. Areas of training may include working with pupils with dyslexia, autism or poor motor skills, supporting gifted and talented pupils, engaging students with emotions and behavioural issues, promoting inclusive learning environments and child protection policies/procedures.

Check whether you have access to specialist Paraeducator certificates issued by the local authorities. When you have gained adequate skills and experience, consider applying to a higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA) or equivalent status so you can work anywhere in your country of employment.

Traits Of A Model Paraeducator

Paraeducators who make it their life’s goal to equip their charges with the skills, knowledge and values to lead productive lives have a few traits in common. They believe in all their students and communicate with them positively.

They act with integrity in all matters related to the school and the students; they behave respectfully towards all the other staff members and always act professionally and trustworthy manner. All their actions help their students gain the confidence to work independently.

Paraeducators and Students In General

Some children need extra support with skills such as reading or math. Paraeducators help and encourage such children to reach their full potential when teachers are unable to do so. They also play the role of an extra pair of eyes sorely needed by the teacher to ensure the smooth conduct of the lesson.

Teachers get much-needed assistance with planning and preparing lesson plans and materials, mapping out strategies for struggling pupils, admin work and keeping the classroom clean and tidy. Paraeducators team up with teachers to help students learn a lesson, stage a drama or deliver an exciting presentation.

Paraeducators And Students With Special Needs

Children with physical or learning disabilities or behavioural issues may not realise their full potential without specialist support. 

Paraeducators provide positive reinforcement and coping strategies to help children with behavioural issues. Sometimes students and their parents might lack proper English language skills. Paraeducators who are bilingual act as translators to students in the classroom and parents of students during open houses and parent-teacher conversations.

When working with children with physical challenges, Paraeducators help them eat, use the bathroom, move around in a wheelchair, or ensure they are safe and secure if the student is prone to allergies or seizures.

Current Status

There is an increasing demand for suitable candidates to fill in the roles of Paraeducators. In addition, with most incumbents using this position as a stepping stone to becoming full-fledged teachers, the turnover is relatively high, and there are always openings within a school district.

However budget shortfalls for education programs would first affect temporary positions such as Paraeducators. Most are employed on part-time, term-time only or casual contracts, so actual take-home pay can be a lot less, especially in independent, academy and free schools that don't have to follow government pay guidelines.

Although the job is still temporary, Paraeducators who are graduates can seek employment through an educational recruitment agency and get a higher paycheque.

Video games can lessen disruptive behaviours and enhance positive development in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Whether it is making the classrooms more inclusive or giving the teachers much-needed breathing space, Paraeducators play a critical role in schools. 

“Great teachers empathize with kids, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built upon.”

Ann Liberman