They say that many hands make light work and there is no better example than the busy hands of a paraprofessional in US school. If you’re carving a career path in the education industry, learn from our Teach Starter teacher team on becoming one of the most beloved individuals in the school — the paraprofessional.
Whether you’re a new teacher who has just been told they’re getting a para for their classroom, or you’re weighing your options for a career in education, you might be wondering what’s in a paraprofessional’s job description and what their salary looks like. And while we’re at it, what is a paraprofessional … technically?
Our teacher team sat down to pull together all the details you’ll need to know, from what paraprofessional certification looks like to what questions you may be asked in a paraprofessional job interview.
What Is a Paraprofessional?
First and foremost, what is a paraprofessional? You can think of this term as a nicer way of saying teaching assistant. They are also known as:
- Paraeducators
- Paras
- Parapros
- Instructional Aids
Paraprofessionals essentially assist and support staff in an educational environment, typically working most with classroom teachers. Paras give hands-on support by working with children in small groups or individually, completing admin tasks and assisting with field trips or special class events.
You can find paraprofessionals working anywhere from elementary school to high school in both public and private schools. Thinking about working in the education field but becoming a full-time teacher doesn’t fit into your goals? The paraprofessional field is a wonderful alternative that is expected to grow 11 percent from 2018-2028 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What’s in a Paraprofessional Job Description?
If teachers had eight arms like an octopus, they could get so much more accomplished in a day. Since we don’t, this is where paraprofessionals come in with their love for students, enthusiastic assistance and encouragement for learning. Paras are an extension of the teacher and sometimes even have more insight into specific students who may be struggling.
There are endless ways paras help teachers, including:
- Enforcing classroom safety and proper behavior
- Helping teachers grade assignments
- Assisting with attendance
- Encouraging learning by engaging with students
- Setting up tools and materials before lessons or class
- Cutting out decor or craft supplies for an activity
- Supervising students during recess and class field trips
- Reinforcing concepts and lessons with students that need extra help
The list can go on depending on the age of the students, the teacher or admin and the working environment.
As Randi Smith, a senior resource producer here at Teach Starter, explains, “Classroom paraprofessionals are literal life savers.”Smith spent 16 years in the classroom, and she says the paraprofessionals she worked with kept her on track and helped her students too.
“They were always there to offer support and help me make sure that everyone received the attention and help they needed,” Smith notes. “Some of them were so experienced and amazing that they were able to easily individualize instruction for students with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges or any other special requirements.”
Paraprofessional Skills and Requirements
It’s important to note some of the skills and requirements schools look for in their paraprofessionals. If you check off the following boxes, you’d be a great fit for this important supportive role:
- Passion for children and education
- Experience in a similar role may be preferred
- Understanding of the educational system
- Patience with students
- Ability to be on your feet for long hours
- Good listening skills
What Is the Average Paraprofessional Salary?
Whether you’re looking to use the paraprofessional position as your career or just a stepping stone to other avenues of the education industry, the salary is something you’ll need to consider.
The average paraprofessional salary in the US is $21,289. Of course, this figure may fluctuate depending on your state. For example, paras in San Francisco make some of the highest wages for the position in the country, with $28,985 as the annual average.
Do You Need a Paraprofessional License or a Paraprofessional Certification?
Unlike full-time teachers in American public schools, parapros are not required to earn a teaching certification, and they don’t have to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree to get the job.
With that said, paraprofessionals are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and — depending on the state — anyone applying for the position may have to provide proof of an associate’s degree in education or a related field.
So do you need a license or certification to be a paraprofessional? To answer as succinctly as possible, a ParaPro Assessment for certification may be required, but then again, maybe not! Once again, it’s all dependent on which state and district you live and work in.
The ParaPro Assessment is a general aptitude test and measures the following:
ParaPro Test Info
If you live in one of the states requiring the ParaPro Assessment, here is a generic outline of the exam:
- The test is computer-based and will be delivered in English.
- It takes two and a half hours to complete.
- It consists of multiple-choice questions.
Official score reports are mailed to test takers within two to three weeks after the test. Each state also has their own qualifying score on the assessment test from 459 in Alaska to 462 in Wyoming.
Registration for the ParaPro Assessment
So your state requires the ParaPro. Now what? First off, you’ll need to decide how you’d like to take the test. Either way, you will be completing the exam online, but you can choose to do so at a testing center or at home. Please note that if you choose to take the ParaPro at home, you should expect the following:
- The test is monitored by a human proctor online.
- Appointments are available 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
- You must have a computer with a camera.
- You must have a stable internet connection.
How Much Is the ParaPro Assessment?
Registering for the ParaPro Assessment requires an $85 test fee regardless of where you decide to take your exam. Be sure to double-check your exam date with any prior commitments! If you’ll need to change the date, rescheduling your exam MUST be done at least three full days prior to the test day and will cost an extra $42.50.
How Many Questions Are in the ParaPro Test?
Be sure to brush up on your multiple-choice skills, as there are 90 multiple-choice questions on the ParaPro exam. The test will focus on reading, writing and math skills segmented like this:
- Two-thirds will focus on basic skills and knowledge.
- One-third will focus on applying those skills in the classroom.
Reading
The reading section will focus on, you guessed it, your reading skills and knowledge, along with the application of reading skills and knowledge to classroom instruction. Some of the questions will include skills such as identifying the main idea and primary purpose of a text.
Writing
Similar to the reading section, the writing section of the ParaPro will focus on writing skills and knowledge and applying writing skills and knowledge to classroom instruction. Since the entire exam is multiple choice, you will not have to do any writing on this section. You can expect questions such as identifying errors in grammar, punctuation, parts of speech and spelling.
Math
The math questions that show up on the ParaPro Assessment focus on:
If you’ve blocked your early days of algebra from your mind, it’s time to dust off your textbook and start reviewing!
Can You Bring a Calculator to the ParaPro Test?
We don’t want you to panic, but calculators are not allowed for the ParaPro exam. It’s important that you brush up on your skills with practice tests before the big day comes so you feel confident! For a more in-depth overview of the exam, check out this video:
Preparing For the ParaPro Exam
While the ParaPro Assessment is an individual exam, there is power in numbers while you practice your skills and prepare for this next step in your career. Here are some tips from our teacher team to pass your ParaPro test with flying colors:
- Form a study group with other ParaPro hopefuls.
- Join a Teacher Facebook group and ask for advice.
- Review videos on YouTube to brush up on your math, reading and writing skills.
- Use online practice tests and guides before the big day.
ParaPro Interview Questions
Now that you’ve decided you’d like to be a paraprofessional and passed your exam (if required), it’s time to think about your interview skills! Think about your personal strengths that make you a standout candidate. Reflecting on some of the questions below will help you narrow in on your interview practice and potential questions.
- What is your education level?
- Do you plan on earning your teaching degree?
- What certifications do you hold?
- How did you learn of this position?
- Why do you want to work for our school district?
- What do you consider your strengths/weaknesses?
- What are your professional values?
- Describe how you implement differentiation strategies for special needs students.
- What were some tasks you supported your supervising teacher in your last role?
- How do you foster open communication with your students?
- How would you initiate communication with a non-verbal student?
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