Job Description of a Paraeducator
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 10 percent growth in the field of education through 2018. The BLS estimates this growth will result in the creation of 134,900 new jobs for paraeducators.
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Function
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Paraeducators assist licensed teachers (called lead teachers) by supervising students, providing one-on-one support for students who need extra help and performing clerical tasks such as stapling papers or photocopying. Paraeducators also set up for and clean up after activities and may give part of a lesson under the supervision of the lead teacher.
Types
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Paraeducators work in all types of schools, including at the preschool, elementary, middle and secondary levels in public and private institutions. Some paraeducators receive assignments to work specifically with children who have special needs such as a learning or physical disability, while others may assist students whose native language is not English.
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Skills
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Successful paraeducators possess the ability to motivate and communicate with children, creativity, organizational skills, patience and effective public speaking abilities. A familiarity with children's educational software, spreadsheets, email and word processing programs is generally also necessary, reports the Occupational Information Network.
Education
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U.S. federal law requires paraeducators who work in public schools where more than half of the student-body is low-income to have at least a two-year associate's degree in education, complete two years of a bachelor's degree program or pass a state-issued written examination. Private and other public schools may only require a high school diploma and experience working with children for employment as a paraeducator.
Compensation
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As of May 2008, paraeducators earn average annual salaries of $23,560, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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