Harper College
Paraprofessional Educator

Paraprofessional Educator Degree

Teacher calling on students with their hands raised

Make a difference in the classroom and in their lives

Career outcomes Education icon

  • Instructional assistants
  • Paraprofessional educator
  • Teacher's aides
  • Teaching assistant

Develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a paraprofessional educator with this degree program. Paraprofessional educators (also commonly known as teacher’s aides or instructional assistants) work in a variety of settings such as classrooms, computer labs and the outdoors. Their work includes assisting with instruction, grading assignments, supervision and child development.

Choose from 100% on-campus or mix online and on-campus courses to fit your schedule.

Take classes in education, psychology, child development, students with disabilities in schools, technology in education, children’s literature, diversity in schools and society, language arts in elementary/middle school teaching and more. All courses are taught by expert faculty who are extremely knowledgeable in the field of education. This program will prepare you to take the Illinois State Board of Education's Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed for Paraprofessional exam.

A.A.S. degree program plan

This 61 credit-hour program is designed to promote the development of skills necessary when working with children in Title 1 programs in the K-12 public or private school classrooms. Students must complete both the required courses for the program and 21 hours of approved electives.

Program Requirements

NumberCourse TitleCredits
First Semester
EDU 201Introduction to Education3
ENG 101Composition I3
Humanities3
Mathematics 13
PSY 101Introduction to Psychology+3
Hours15
Second Semester
ECE 102Child Development3
EDU 211Educational Psychology3
Elective(s)3
LIT 219Children's Literature3
SPE 101Fundamentals of Speech Communication3
Hours15
Third Semester
EDU 219Students with Disabilities in School3
EDU 250Introduction to Technology in Education3
Elective(s)9
Hours15
Fourth Semester
EDU 202Pre-Student Teaching Clinical Experience1
EDU 230Introduction to Language Arts in Elementary/Middle School Teaching3
EDU 220Diversity in Schools and Society+3
Elective(s)6
PSC 101American Politics and Government3
Hours16
Total Hours61
1

The mathematics requirement for this degree can be met with MGT 150 or Math Competency. See Math Competency options for information. Students who use Math Competency to meet the mathematics requirement must complete an additional three credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.

+

This course meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.

Electives

NumberCourse TitleCredits
Select from the following:
ANT 101Introduction to Anthropology3
ANT 202Cultural Anthropology3
ART 105Introduction to Visual Art3
ART 130Ancient and Medieval Art3
ECE 101Introduction to Early Childhood Education3
ECE 226Assessment and Guidance3
ECE 250Health, Nutrition and Safety3
ECE 252Child-Family-Community3
ENG 102Composition II3
ESC 110Exploring the Earth and Universe4
GEG 101World Regional Geography3
HST 111American Experience to 18773
HST 112American Experience Since 18773
LNG 105Introduction to Language and Linguistics3
MTH 130Mathematics for Elementary Teaching I4
MTH 131Mathematics for Elementary Teaching II4
PHY 110Introduction to Physics4
PSY 217Adolescent Psychology3
PSY 228Psychology of Human Development3
SGN 101American Sign Language I4

Program learning outcomes

  • Develop reading skills to be used for classroom instructional support.
  • Develop mathematical computation and mathematical reasoning skills to be used for classroom instructional support.
  • Develop writing skills to be used for classroom instructional support.
  • Develop critical and creative thinking skills to become an effective decision maker and problem solver.
  • Develop effective communication skills, including listening, speaking and writing for a variety of school settings.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of the principles of child development, the learning process and instructional strategies, including the instruction of special-needs students.
  • Identify and apply appropriate classroom management techniques based on knowledge of law.
  • Identify and apply appropriate classroom management techniques based on knowledge of school policies and procedures.
  • Effectively utilize a variety of technologies for communication, problem solving and research.
  • Identify technology tools/media used in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning.
  • Utilize various technology tools/media used in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning.
  • Develop skills to interact effectively with students, parents, teachers and administrators in a diverse school society.
  • Develop interpersonal skills necessary to work in collaborative environments.
  • Develop a comprehensive pre-professional portfolio that demonstrates knowledge of the profession.

Related programs

For more information about the Paraprofessional Educator program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 9/30/26