Do you want to change the lives of students in your public school system? Consider becoming a teacher's assistant, aide, instructional assistant, paraeducator, or paraprofessional (parapro).
These are different job titles in the PreK-12 education field used to describe people who provide instructional or non-instructional support to certified or licensed lead teachers.
Each of these positions shares similar qualifications, although titles may change by district and state. Titles may also vary based on the classroom type, such as special or migrant education.
How to Become an Educational Paraprofessional: Step by Step
Interested in becoming an education paraprofessional? Read on to learn more!
Step 1: Learn What Paraprofessional Educators Do in Your Area
At the national level, the U.S. Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, reauthorized in 2015 as the 'Every Student Succeeds Act,' defined the term 'paraprofessional' as:
'...an individual who is employed in a preschool, elementary school, or secondary school under the supervision of a certified or licensed teacher, including individuals employed in language instruction educational programs, special education, and migrant education.'
This Act requires that each state require paraprofessionals to hold state-specific certifications and licensure. NewAmerica.org offers a database listing paraprofessional requirements by state.
National guidelines also state that school districts should provide paraprofessionals with professional development regarding the following:
- literacy development of children
- parent and family engagement strategies
- prevention and recognition of child sexual abuse
- integration of technology into the classroom
- addressing the needs of students at risk of not meeting State academic standards
- understanding early indicators of students at risk of developing inadequate literacy skills due to a disability such as dyslexia or developmental delay that impacts reading, writing, language processing, comprehension, or executive functioning
- providing services to migrant children and English learners
Step 2: Obtain the Academic Credentials to Become a Paraprofessional
How do you get the education you need to become a paraprofessional? First, every state requires a high school diploma or equivalent degree.
Beyond that, the federal law has established a few uniform criteria for paraprofessionals.
These include meeting at least one of the following qualifications:
- Has completed at least two years of study beyond a high school diploma
- Has obtained an associate's (or higher) degree
- Is able to pass a formal state or local academic assessment demonstrating adequate knowledge to assist in instructing students in reading, writing, and mathematics, or readiness in those areas
Some states may prefer specific training, but in most cases, taking general education courses or earning a two-year associate's degree at a community college, college, or university will suffice.
General education programs are made up of the core courses that each college deems essential to providing a broad, interdisciplinary foundation for ongoing higher education.
These programs typically include courses in English composition, literature, communication, math, science, social sciences, art, and history.
Step 3: Pursue Licensing or Certification for Your State
Licensing or certification requirements vary by state, so be sure to research what you need to have to work as a parapro in your state.
For example, as of mid-2023, 17 states offer some form of certification, permit, or license for paraprofessionals, while other states still do not.
Consider the following:
- Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah do not offer paraprofessional certification
- Iowa, Minnesota, and New Hampshire offer voluntary or optional certification
- Pennsylvania and Wisconsin only require certification for paraprofessionals who work in special education classrooms
- Georgia, Illinois, and West Virginia offer one certification for all paraprofessionals
- Delaware, New Mexico, Ohio, and Texas offer tiered levels of certification for paraprofessionals
- Washington is the only state with a Paraeducator Standards Board that oversees the certification and professional development of paraprofessionals
Many states require paraprofessionals to test with the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The ParaPro Assessment can be taken at home or at a testing center; the fee is currently $85.
The ParaPro Assessment measures understanding in writing, reading, and math. It also tests the ability to apply your skills in the classroom. The ETS also provides test-prep materials.
Unlike other tests, the ETS doesn't determine whether you have passed or failed their assessment. Instead, each state or district determines its own range of acceptable scores.
Step 4: Apply for Paraprofessional Jobs
Parapros are an essential part of every public school these days. You may want to start off your job search by applying through your local school district office, online or in-person.
If you want to broaden your search and include many locations, try searching via online job boards like Indeed or Monster.
Salaries for parapros vary by location, background, and experience. However, as of mid-2023, Indeed.com estimated the average hourly salary for these individuals at $16.92 to $17.73.
Specialized paraprofessional roles may pay more. For example, the average hourly pay in the U.S. for special education parapros is $18.88 per hour.
Contact Best Accredited Colleges to Learn More About How to Become an Education Paraprofessional
For more information on becoming a paraprofessional, reach out to our team at Best Accredited Colleges. We have the step-by-step guidance you need to achieve all your career goals!
