Paraprofessional

Paraprofessionals provide instructional and clerical support for classroom teachers, allowing teachers more time for instruction, lesson plans, etc. They support and assist children in learning class material providing students with more individualized attention. Paraprofessionals also supervise students in the cafeteria, schoolyard, hallways, and/or on field trips. They record grades, set up equipment, and help prepare materials for instruction. Paraprofessionals also are called teacher aides, instructional aides, teacher assistants, and/or para-educators.

Many Paraprofessionals work extensively with special education students and lower elementary classes (pre-k, kindergarten, etc.). As schools become more inclusive and integrate special education students Paraprofessionals assist students with disabilities in regular education classrooms. They attend to the physical, personal, and educational needs of students with disabilities. They also provide personal attention to students with other special needs, such as those who speak English as a second language and/or those who need remedial education. Paraprofessionals help assess a student by observing the students performance and evaluating progress.

Substitute Paraprofessional Services

A substitute Paraprofessional is a substitute for a non-certified instructional staff person who does not hold the position of teacher, but assists in the classroom under the guidance of a teacher. The duties of paraprofessionals may include, but are not limited to the following

• Providing instructional reinforcement under the direction of the classroom teacher for individual students and/or small groups of students as directed by the classroom teacher
• Assisting with classroom management
• Assisting in the general supervision of students in the class
• Helping promote a safe, attractive physical and mental environment
• Assisting the students as required by the IEP
• Providing assistance and skill reinforcement to students with disabilities
• Acting as a translator
• Providing hygiene assistance to students as needed
• Supporting the teacher in completing required clerical tasks
• Participating in required training as needed