what is a paraprofessional

A paraprofessional is a trained aide who works alongside professionals in various fields, such as education, healthcare, and law, providing support services. In education, paraprofessionals—also known as teacher assistants, paraeducators, or instructional assistants—are not licensed teachers but perform teaching-related tasks to support certified teachers. Their responsibilities can include supervising students, assisting with classroom activities, helping students with lessons, managing behavior, preparing instructional materials, and supporting students with special needs. Paraprofessionals often work independently or under the supervision of a licensed professional. They typically require some level of education, which can range from a high school diploma to an associate degree, and sometimes certification. Their role is to assist and complement the work of the licensed professional, often providing one-on-one support to students or clients and helping manage the environment to facilitate learning or care. In summary, a paraprofessional is a skilled support worker who aids professionals by performing specific duties that require knowledge and training but not full professional licensure, especially prevalent in educational settings as teacher aides or assistants. They contribute significantly to the functioning and effectiveness of professional services while not having the full qualifications of the lead professional themselves.