Paraprofessional - Special Education
Content + Source + Freshness • 12 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Moderate appeal due to significant interaction with students in need but requiring relevant experience which may limit candidate pool.
- Engages with students, fostering individual growth
- Hands-on experience in special education
- Strong demand for educational workers
- Part-time position limits earnings
Pros
- Engaging role working directly with students
- Fostering a safe environment for students with unique needs
- Opportunities for hands-on training and development
Cons
- Requires specific educational qualifications (48 college credits or passing ParaPro assessment)
- May involve physically demanding tasks such as lifting students
- Positions are often part-time, limiting income potential
Who it's for
Entry to mid-level • Part-time in-person
Good fit
- Education students or professionals seeking part-time roles
- Individuals with experience in special needs education
- Candidates motivated by making a difference in children's lives
Not recommended for
- Those seeking permanent positions with full benefits
- Candidates without the required educational background
- Individuals who are not comfortable with physical assistance tasks
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Reports to: Supervising Teacher
General Summary: A paraprofessional assists certified teachers in providing a safe learning environment where children’s individual needs are met.
Essential Functions:
- Assists the teacher with the learning activities of students and preparation of student’s instruction materials.
- Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, recess, field trips, lunch times, and classrooms as needed.
- Assists teacher with recording student progress data.
- Participates in general and job specific training as determined by the supervising teacher and principal.
- Supervises students in instructional and/or assessment activities both on and off campus at the direction of the teacher.
- Communicates with the classroom teacher on student progress and/or special needs of students.
- Interacts respectfully with staff and parents.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
- Performs other reasonably-related duties as may be assigned by the principal or supervising teacher.
Qualifications:
- Education – 48 college credits or ability to pass the ParaPro Assessment
- Experience – Evidence of experience working with students
Length of Position: 36 weeks (for the school year)- 20 hours per week
Position Type: Non-exempt
These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a paraprofessional.
