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Paraprofessional education is a teaching-related profession. Paraprofessionals act as teaching assistants in the classroom to assist teachers at the elementary and secondary education levels. Paraprofessionals may also be known as para-pros, instructional assistants and classroom assistants.
Function
Many times paraprofessionals are used by a teacher to focus on specific learning objectives inside the classroom. Paraprofessionals may also substitute for a teacher in case of a teacher absence.
Types
The job description for paraprofessionals varies. Some can step in for a teacher and be the main classroom instructor, while others are limited to education support or even technical support.
Qualifications
Requirements to become a paraprofessional also vary. In some jurisdictions all that is required is a high school diploma, but other paraprofessional roles require at least a two-year college degree. Some school districts require certification to become a paraprofessional.
Regulation
There are no federal requirements for paraprofessionals, with the exception that they be "highly qualified," according to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Considerations
The median annual salary for paraprofessionals in the United States is less than $18,000.
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