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Harper College

Careers as a Paraprofessional Educator

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Paraprofessional educators play an important role in supporting teachers and students in a variety of settings. Career opportunities for paraprofessional educators include working as a teacher assistant, childcare worker, preschool teacher, special education teacher assistant, recreation worker, or university teacher assistant.

Paraprofessional educators may work in recreation facilities, private or public schools, childcare centers, religious organizations, classrooms, computer labs, or outdoors. Some paraprofessional educators work in postsecondary institutions while others work with students with disabilities. Paraprofessional educators may be required to work in research labs at the university level.

Duties for paraprofessional educators include giving additional attention to students, providing instruction, grading assignments, supervision, and child development. Paraprofessional educators use lesson plans and materials, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology to provide support to teachers and students.

A paraprofessional educator associate's degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in this field.

Paraprofessional Educator Career Profiles

Learn more about a career as a paraprofessional educator, including salaries, job growth and Chicago-area employers.

Last Updated: 4/8/24