The role of a paraprofessional in the classroom is fundamental for successful and improved special education environments. Paraprofessionals are also known as teacher aides, paras, teacher assistants, or paraeducators. All these titles are interchangeable. Paraprofessionals play an extremely important role and are often considered the backbone of the classroom.
What is a Paraprofessional?
Paraprofessionals provide support to the teacher in typically a one-to-one capacity. Paras are usually assigned to one student but may also help the teacher with the entire class in certain situations. As a paraprofessional you will be providing behavioral, instructional, and emotional support to students in and outside of the classroom. Paraprofessionals aren’t always just in special education classrooms; they can also provide support to a student in a general education setting as well. Examples of the type of support paras provide are leading small group activities, implementation of IEP/504 Plans, self-care skills, and other classroom duties that are assigned.
What Areas Do Paraprofessionals Help In?
Before applying to a paraprofessional job, it’s important to understand what paraprofessionals do in the classroom. Below is a list of different support paraprofessionals provide to their students.
- Behavioral support
Typically, paraprofessionals work with students that have behavioral issues. Paras are instructed to follow a student’s behavior intervention plan (BIP). These plans do not punish the student but rather reward the student for good behavior. Not only do paras help the individual student learn to regulate emotions and practice good behavior, but it helps the entire classroom. If the student is distracting the classroom with their behavior, the paraprofessional can remove the student and work with them outside the classroom.
- Instructional support
Paraprofessionals work with students in a one to one or small group capacity. They may lead small group activities and support during or after a lesson. For example, if the teacher needs to move on in a lesson to not fall behind, they may ask the paraprofessional to continue working with those students while the teacher moves on in the lesson with the rest of the class.
- Language support
Some paraprofessional positions may require being bilingual. Bilingual paraprofessionals are assigned to students that are learning English. They will need to translate and explain the lesson in their native language to help them understand the material. Students that need language support are typically known as English Language Learners (ELLs).
- Physical support
Paraprofessionals also help students that are physically impaired. If a student is physically impaired the paraprofessional will help with going to the bathroom, getting around the school, and any other activity they have a hard time with.
How to Become a Paraprofessional in New Jersey?
The process to become a paraprofessional in New Jersey is very easy. Every school district sets different qualifications for paras. The minimum requirement across the board is that a paraprofessional must have a high school diploma or a GED. Some districts require secondary education, others recommend having secondary education. Typically, it is not necessary to acquire a paraprofessional certification either although if you hold one or decide to get one, you will be a better qualified candidate. Paraprofessionals in NJ must also get finger printed by the Board of Education for safety procedures.
Paraprofessionals must encompass excellent communication skills, organizational skills, and empathy. Experience that schools look for but is not required is any child care experience or previous position in a similar role and experience working with special needs or students with disabilities.
Staffing agencies are a great first step towards landing a paraprofessional job. They can provide you with the support to find the best fitting paraprofessional position. New Jersey is one of the highest paying states for paraprofessionals with an average wage that is 6.3% higher than the national average according to ziprecruiter. If you’re looking to start your paraprofessional career, one of our recruiters would love to get you started!
