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The Curious Bag
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Paraprofessionals are assistants to trained professionals. Although commonly associated with the educational system, paraprofessionals can also work in other fields such as health care and the legal system.
Function
Teacher's assistants commonly help teachers during standardized testing times, during after-school programs, and when working with students whose native language is not English.
Certification
According to DegreeDirectory.org, several colleges offer 2 and 4 year teacher aid certification. The most common certification test is the ParaPro Assessment which "measures competencies in math, reading and writing."
Facts
Requirements and certification vary from state to state, and depend greatly upon the desired focus. Paraprofessionals who work with children frequently must pass a background check.
Considerations
Although paraprofessionals can work either part-time or full-time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that approximately 40 percent of teacher's assistants work part-time. Full-time workers usually received benefits, whereas part-time workers did not.
Career Outlook
According to the BLS, employment opportunities will increase by about 10 percent between 2008 and 2018. Those with certification and two years of post secondary education will have the best opportunities.
Source:
Degree Directory: Paraprofessional
National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
More Information:
Illinois State Board of Education: Paraprofessional Approval Form
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