Paraprofessional Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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Your job description is the first contact between your company and your new recruit. With millions of people searching for jobs on Indeed each month, a great job description can help you attract the most qualified candidates to your open position. To get you started, here are some tips for creating an effective job description.

Paraprofessional job title

An effective job title wiil typically include a general term, the level of experience and any special requirements. The general term will optimize your job title to show up in a general search for jobs of the same nature. The level of experience will help you attract the most qualified applicants by outlining the amount of responsibility and prior knowledge required. And if your position is specialized, consider including the specialization in the job title as well. But avoid using internal titles, abbreviations or acronyms to make sure people understand what your job posting is before clicking.

  • Instructional Paraprofessional
  • Teacher’s Assistant
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Paraprofessional (Part-Time)
  • Special Education Paraprofessional

Hire your next Paraprofessional today.

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Hire your next Paraprofessional today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

Paraprofessional job summary

A good job description starts with an attention-grabbing summary of the position and its role within your company. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Outline the types of activities and responsibilities required for the job so job seekers can determine if they are qualified, or if the job is suitable for them.

Example of a Paraprofessional job summary

We are a private academy seeking paraprofessionals to assist our teachers and develop the next generation through specialized curriculums. You will work closely with the teacher in your assigned classroom and support them in their duties. Flexibility is key for this role, as your tasks may change from day to day. Typical activities include creating presentations, printing off homework sheets, working with students in groups and individually during lessons and creating progress notes and reports. The ideal candidate is caring, compassionate and dedicated to the students’ success. They have a versatile skill set and a willingness to proactively look for ways to support the teacher. This position starts out with part-time hours and does offer full-time potential if you’re a good fit.

Paraprofessional responsibilities and duties

The responsibilities and duties section is the most important part of the job description. Here you should outline the functions this position will perform on a regular basis, how the job functions within the organization and the title of the manager the person will report to.

  • Assists teacher with conducting lessons, managing the classroom and developing materials
  • Track student progress during the school year and create reports to let parents understand what their children are learning
  • Empower students through programs designed to enhance their academic and social achievements
  • Work with computers and specialized AV equipment to make these resources available to the teacher during lessons
  • Act as a nurturing and encouraging influence for students during lessons
  • Monitor the classroom and minimize distractions and disruptions

Paraprofessional qualifications and skills

Next, outline the required and preferred skills for your position. This may include education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills. You may also include soft skills and personality traits that you expect from a successful candidate. While it may be tempting to include a long list of skills and requirements, including too many could dissuade qualified candidates from applying. Keep your list of qualifications concise, but provide enough detail with relevant keywords and terms.

  • Experience working as a substitute teacher for K-6
  • Hold a current teaching license or comparable certification
  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development, Education or another liberal arts program preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Previous teaching experience for elementary school students
  • Familiarity with learning management systems and other educational software

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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