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Education

Paraprofessional

Perform duties that are instructional in nature or deliver direct services to students or parents, such as one-on-one tutoring. Serve in a position for which a Licensed Teacher has ultimate responsibility for design and implementation of educational programs and services.

Annual openings

469

Median wage

n/a

Typical education

There are no specific education requirements; however, a high school diploma or its equivalent is valued and some school districts may require an Associate’s degree or passing a formal assessment.

Growth 2024–2034

+27%

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

There are no specific education requirements; however, a high school diploma or its equivalent is valued and some school districts may require an Associate’s degree or passing a formal assessment.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

There are no required licenses or authorizations. However, guidance has been provided to schools about local hiring policies.

Experience detail

This is an entry-level position so no experience is required. However, full or part-time work experience with children and/or developing the listed competencies is valued.

Employer competency information

  • ● Teamwork - Working collaboratively with other educators, the students, and the families to achieve learning outcomes ● Communication - Be perceptive and responsive listeners, able to communicate with students in a variety of ways; help students to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - Able to vary instructional methods for the benefit of students across a wide range of learning abilities and styles ● Instruction - Know and demonstrate knowledge of the content being taught, making the instruction and content relevant to students while fostering a positive learning environment and adjusting instructional approaches as needed ● Critical & Analytical Thinking - Able to ask questions, think creatively, develop and test new and innovative ideas, while also helping students develop these same skills
Interested in being a teacher? A part-time or short-term job as a Paraprofessional will allow you to try things out and build your skills prior to or while you are finishing your Education requirements.
Paraprofessionals often act as first-level behavioral interventionists., which could lead to an interest in a Counseling career.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

A typical day

  1. Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.
  2. Requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.
  3. Teach social skills to students.
  4. Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.
  5. Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.
  6. Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.
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