Putting the Spotlight on Paraeducators

The job of paraeducators has become more diverse and their positions have come under closer examination lately with the birth of ESEA. To better understand their role, this month we focus on the jobs they do. The data and the information come from “2002 Status of NEA K-12 ESP Membership Study.”

• NEA identifies the following classifications as “paraeducators”: instructional and non-instructional assistants; teacher and program aides; library aides; technicians and assistants; preschool care givers; building, bus and playground monitors; crossing guards; and non-managerial supervisors.

• Paraeducator means “along side of.”

• Paraeducators make up more than 48 percent of NEA ESP members. That translates to 151,000 members out of a total of 2.7 million.

• Eighty-one percent of paraeducators work full time.

• More than 85 percent of paraeducators have attended professional development training in the past two years.

• Seventy-one percent of paraeducators work with special education students.

• Wages for 63 percent of paraeducators are paid on an hourly basis.

• While the percentage will probably increase with the emphasis on ESEA requirements, currently 12 percent of paraprofessionals are attending school or college.

• More than 66 percent of paraeducators have less than a two-year degree.

• There’s a growing recognition that professional development for paraeducators can be the key to increasing student success.
  

Paraeducators are looking for professional development training in the following areas:

Children’s and parental rights
Diversity and cultural heritage
Special education laws and current federal and state mandates
Developing a positive relationship with teachers
Assisting children in developing self-esteem and interpersonal skills
Effective communication with parents
Managing stress
Time management

Updated: February 18, 2009 6:57 PM