Depending on the needs of the school and the classroom in which he or she works, a paraeducator may perform a variety of tasks. A paraprofessional educator will frequently work with students one-on-one in order to improve their learning experience. Translators, tutors, and technological assistants are all jobs that paraeducators do. A paraeducator, in general, performs a teaching-related task for which he or she is highly qualified. The area in which the school is located usually sets restrictions on qualifications and the types of tasks a paraprofessional can perform.
In most classrooms, a paraeducator is responsible for assisting the teacher and ensuring that the classroom runs smoothly. Many of these types of educators aspire to be teachers or are already certified teachers, though this is not a requirement for this position. One of the most important responsibilities of a paraeductor is organization, which can include assisting the teacher with materials distribution or office work.
The tasks that a paraeducator performs on a daily basis can vary greatly between employees. A person who primarily works in special education may have very different goals than someone who works with students who are learning the language in which the lessons are taught. To keep advanced students stimulated, some schools employ paraeducators, who may focus on providing additional materials rather than aiming for basic comprehension.
Many paraprofessional educators work with special needs students, and this job can include a focus on behavioral control in some cases. Students who are disruptive or unable to participate in classroom activities because of disabilities may require the assistance of a paraeducator. The paraeducator’s role in cases of behavioral issues is to help the student become a more acceptable member of the classroom while also protecting the learning experience of other students.
The job of a paraeducator, like many other professions, is constantly evolving to include new and different tasks. Paraeducators may act as coaches or primary liaisons with parents in some cases. Maintaining any online materials for a class is one of the more interesting tasks a paraprofessional educator might take on. A paraeducator’s distinguishing feature is that they work directly under an educator, receiving supervision and following instructions. As the responsibilities of a paraprofessional educator grow, the distinction between a teacher and an aide may blur, potentially leading to abuse of the position.