As a teacher’s aide or paraprofessional, you play an important role in the classroom, supporting both students and teachers to ensure that every student can access the education they need. Whether they’re assisting with physical tasks, helping put together lesson plans, or monitoring students – you impact the lives of your students in so many ways. You make such an impact on your students, and we want to help you create a fulfilling and rewarding career where you also feel supported and valued.
If you’re a teacher’s aide or paraprofessional looking for new and exciting jobs, Blazer Jobs can help you find open positions in schools across the country.
Paraprofessional Job Duties
A paraprofessional job description varies greatly depending on the classroom and the individual needs of the students. These skilled professionals bring a wide range of skills to the classroom, supporting learning in the following ways:
- Providing one-on-one instruction during or after lessons to reinforce understanding
- Encouraging students with disabilities or difficulty communicating to speak up and participate in class
- Reinforcing learning with small groups of students after lessons so the teacher can focus on other activities with the rest of the class
- Offering learning support in other areas of the school, including libraries, media centers, art room, and computer labs
- Reinforcing behavioral intervention plans as necessary to increase learning and reduce disruptive behavior
- Helping students with coping strategies as needed, including relaxation techniques, note-taking, or redirection
- Assisting children with disabilities with physical tasks, like eating, using the bathroom, or navigating the school setting in a wheelchair
Paraprofessional Job Requirements
Educational requirements for paraprofessional jobs vary greatly from one school to another and even on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs of the students. Some jobs only require a high school diploma while others may require associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.
Many paraprofessional programs focus on children in kindergarten through high school, but some also offer training for early childhood education. Although not required, attending an undergraduate program is very beneficial as coursework covers important areas like developmental psychology, teaching techniques, child assessment, and literacy. Every school is different, so most will require a period of on-the-job training to get a feel for the requirements and protocols in the district.
Those wishing to find teacher’s aide jobs in special education are encouraged to pursue a bachelor’s degree as these roles are often more specialized. Courses preparing you for paraprofessional jobs in special education include speech and language development, counseling techniques, and the psychology of exceptional children.
Paraprofessionals who work with children who have special health concerns may be required to get certified in CPR. Also, note that some states and most Title I schools require certification, though this varies significantly from one area to another.
Interested in learning more about our travel paraprofessional jobs? We have positions available across the country that will be sure to fuel your passion for adventure.