Learn How To Become an Education Paraprofessional in 2023

Education paraprofessionals play a special role in the classroom.

They support teachers by reinforcing learning materials and addressing behavioral concerns while ensuring students receive the extra attention and guidance they need.

If you'd like to work as an education paraprofessional, you'll need to follow specific steps to get started. Read on to find out how to become an education paraprofessional in 2023.

What Is an Education Paraprofessional?

An education paraprofessional ?also known as a teacher assistant, education assistant, paraeducator, teacher aide, or instructional aide ?assists licensed teachers.

What Do Education Paraprofessionals Do?

The duties of education paraprofessionals may vary depending on their specific work setting, but some common responsibilities include:

• assisting teachers with taking attendance and grading assignments
• going over lessons with students on a one-on-one or group basis
• helping with classroom and behavior management
• supervising students when at recess, lunch, and other areas outside of the classroom
• assisting with lesson preparations and equipment use

Education paraprofessionals may also report student progress to teachers and help with plans to improve student development.

Where Do Education Paraprofessionals Work?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, nearly three-fourths of all education paraprofessionals work in local elementary and secondary schools.

About 10% of education paraprofessionals work with child daycare services and an additional 9% work in private elementary and secondary schools.

Specific places within schools where education paraprofessionals work include computer labs, cafeterias, libraries, and classes for students with special learning needs.

Types of Education Paraprofessionals

There are several roles available for education paraprofessionals.

Here are just a few:

• computer lab monitor
• library aide
• playground monitor
• special education support
• instructional aide
• translator/interpreter
• behavior interventionist
• speech assistant

The titles of paraprofessional roles generally vary by the professional setting and job requirements of each position.

Step 1: Meet Educational Requirements

Once you've decided that becoming an education paraprofessional is the right choice, you'll need to meet specific educational requirements.

Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent

Education professionals must first secure their high school diploma or an equivalent like the GED.

Do You Need a Degree to Be a Paraprofessional?

To become an education paraprofessional in public schools, individuals must either complete two years (60 credit hours) of college coursework or earn an associate degree.

Individuals who work with Title 1 programs have to pass a local or state assessment, have two years of college, or possess a two-year degree.

Step 2: Get Training/Experience

It's common for paraprofessional positions to require candidates to have some type of on-the-job training to be considered for the role.

On-the-job training helps paraprofessionals grow accustomed to the learning environment, curriculum, and protocols.

Training also provides hands-on experience, helps boost practical skills, and allows candidates to learn from experienced colleagues.

Some ways to get the training you need include taking a part-time position, working as a substitute teacher, volunteering, or taking an internship.

You could also get entry-level on-the-job training after being hired for a position.

Step 3: Pass an Assessment and Get Certified

Depending on the state in which you plan to work and whether you already have a college degree, you might be required to pass a state-approved paraprofessional assessment or earn certification.

The ParaPro Assessment

The ParaPro Assessment from ETS is designed for practicing and prospective paraprofessionals. This general aptitude exam measures paraprofessionals':

• knowledge and skills in math, reading, and writing.
• ability to apply writing, reading, and math when assisting with instruction in the classroom.

The ParaPro Assessment is required for certification in some states. Other states deliver their own exam. For example, in Missouri, people take a paraprofessional test delivered by Pearson Education.

ACT Workkeys National Career Readiness Certificate

The ACT Workkeys National Career Readiness Certificate can help paraprofessionals show employers they have foundational skills to succeed in the workplace.

To earn this credential, individuals must complete and earn ranking scores on three exams:

• Graphic Literacy Assessment - This assessment tests your ability to read and understand graphical materials when solving work-related problems.
• Applied Math Assessment - This exam measures problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and critical thinking skills as they relate to the workplace.
• Workplace Documents Assessment - This test ensures examinees are skilled at reading and solving problems using information from written texts like emails, letters, contracts, bulletins, and regulations.

Additional Paraprofessional Certifications and Programs

Here are some more programs and certifications to consider if you want to serve as a paraprofessional in a specific role:

• American Library Association (ALA) Library Support Staff Certification Program
• National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) Paraprofessional Skills Preparation Program (PSPP)
• National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT) Mental Health Paraprofessional Certification
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Certification

To learn about exam and certification requirements for your state ?including CPR certifications ?check with your Board of Education.

Step 4: Start Working

Once you've earned your degree or completed courses, taken advantage of training opportunities, and passed your exam and/or secured certification, you're ready to work as an education paraprofessional.

You can search online career websites, your state's Board of Education, and local school district job boards to find education paraprofessional job opportunities.

According to the BLS, about 151,000 new openings are expected each year for teaching assistants between 2022 and 2032.

While opportunities are likely to be vast, keep in mind that when schools experience budget shortfalls, they often eliminate assistant roles and hire again when there is a budget surplus.

In addition to working as an education paraprofessional or teaching assistant, your education could help you become a childcare worker or preschool teacher.

Take Steps to Become an Education Paraprofessional

If you're eager to assist licensed teachers and help students excel academically, working as an education paraprofessional might be your dream career.

Don't wait any longer to begin. Get the education and training needed to jumpstart your career.