Why a Career as an Educational Paraprofessional?

Paraprofessionals are educator assistants who provide instructional support for students in a wide variety of educational settings. They are often essential members of a collaborative school team who assist with classroom management and provide strategies for student successes, specifically students with exceptionalities. Paraprofessionals work under the supervision of licensed teachers within general education classrooms and specialized classrooms. Paraprofessionals with an associate of applied science degree are considered highly qualified and may provide specialized instructional support to children with diverse learning needs. The need for qualified, trained paraprofessionals has expanded due to the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act as well as the inclusion of students with special needs into general education classrooms.

Salary Information

Your starting salary will depend upon your level of skills and experience, the education system in which you are employed, and geographic area. The National Education Association (NEA) indicated the average salary for a full-time, nine-month position as an education paraprofessional to be $18,052 in 2005-06. Benefit packages are available within school systems.

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What is an Education Paraprofessional?

Paraprofessionals are education assistants who have special training to work in public and private schools. They provide individual and small group instructional support, assist teachers with modifications and accommodations for students, implement behavior plans and monitor students within a variety of educational settings. In addition, they are critical members of an educational team. Education paraprofessionals collect student data for progress monitoring and collaborate with teachers ensuring educational services are consistent across settings and personnel.

How Wayne College can get you there

Ohio has established the educational paraprofessional associate degree for individuals who wish to obtain a fully-licensed teaching position. Wayne College is the only college in the Northeast Ohio area to offer the paraprofessional education associate degree. The training program for an educational paraprofessional is rigorous and ensures preparation for serving students with special needs. The associate degree program at Wayne College provides a nearly seamless transition into the Intervention Specialist licensure program at The University of Akron’s College of Education.

The associate degree provides immediate employability, making it possible to work in a school setting while pursuing additional educational options. The curriculum enhances employability by integrating classroom learning with meaningful practicum experiences.

Associate degree candidates will study how children develop and learn and how to support students with diverse learning needs within their school settings. They also will study the historical foundation of education and how to effectively collaborate with teachers and related services personnel. Students undergo meaningful opportunities to integrate and apply classroom lessons through field observations, service learning projects, and an experience similar to student teaching.