Paraprofessionals are considered to be a very important part of the schooling system of a school as they work to support and guide the students throughout their learning process. These individuals are supervised by certified teachers in a school and work under them to have one-on-one conversations with students to ensure that students get all the support that they need.
If you are wondering what is a paraprofessional then you need to know that these special teaching assistants or tech eds basically provide help to students who require special care like students with physical disabilities and others.
Now, we know that there are a lot of people who want to be a paraprofessional hence, they want all the information related to the job and how you can become one. The article will tell you about the requirements to be a paraprofessional so that you can easily apply for one if you want.
How can you become a Paraprofessional?
Even though Paraprofessionals do not teach students directly, they are a very important part of the staff of a school as they are responsible for bringing a change in the lives of their students.
There are some important skills that paraprofessionals need to have and this is why it is important to have certain degrees, and if you want to know how to become a para in schools then, you need to read all the instructions that we are giving here.
Step 1: Get a High School Diploma
You cannot even think about being a paraprofessional without a High school diploma or a GED. Nearly all the states in the United States of America require that you have a high school diploma or an equivalent degree if you are interested in being a paraprofessional.
You can either complete a normal high school program or you can take the GED test to prove that you have a high school education that covers all subjects like science, maths, social studies and language arts.
Step 2: Try to get a Post-secondary degree
While a high school diploma is a must for a paraprofessional, it is quite beneficial to get a secondary degree from a college. You can go for a two-year degree or a technical degree in education from a technical school which adds more to your resume.
Step 3: Pass the State approved Examination
There are some states that require individuals to pass the state-approved test created for paraprofessionals and if you are interested in being a paraprofessional then, you need to complete this test administered by ETS.
The assessment is created to measure and test the basic skills of people like reading, writing and maths to ensure that they can hold their heads in schools.
Gain the Necessary Experience
Many para roles prefer or require some experience working with children in an educational setting. Consider volunteering in your free time at a local school or after-school program. This will help you get comfortable in a classroom environment and also provide experience to list on your resume. Previous work as a substitute teacher, daycare worker, camp counselor or tutor can also help prepare you.
Step 4: Complete Education Requirements
While a bachelor’s degree is not always mandatory, most districts do require paras to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Some schools prefer paras to have an associate degree in a related field like education, child development or psychology. Make sure to check your state’s specific education requirements as well as individual district policies. Be prepared to show proof of degree completion.
Step 5: Pass Background Checks
Working with children means undergoing thorough background checks. Employment is contingent on clearing fingerprinting and background investigations. Checks scan for any past criminal convictions like crimes against children. The hiring process cannot proceed until background checks are complete with no concerning results.
Step 6: Obtain Necessary Certification
Many states require paras to hold a teaching assistant, paraprofessional or paraeducator certificate. Certification involves applying to the state department of education and typically includes a short training or exam on basics like child development, classroom procedures and special needs education. Certification must be maintained with ongoing professional development hours.
Step 7: Apply for open Para Positions
Regularly check the career sections of school district websites as well as general job boards for open para positions. Apply early, as hiring is often done for the upcoming academic year. Your application should highlight relevant experience and education. Be prepared for interviews where they will assess your skills and enthusiasm for the role. Check references are also contacted.
Step 8: Onboard as a School Para
Once hired, you will participate in new employee onboarding, including orientation and any additional district training. Your main role will be to assist teachers and provide extra support to students who need it. Daily tasks may include assisting with instruction, behavior management, one-on-one tutoring, helping special needs students, administrative duties and more.
With dedication to continuing your education and gaining experience, becoming a paraeducator can set you on a rewarding career path in education. Focus on contributing positively to students’ learning experiences every day.
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