Paraeducators perform instructional duties or deliver direct services to students or parents.
Also called “parapros,” “paraprofessionals,” paras,” “teacher assistants,” “instructional assistants,” or “one-on-one aides,” paraeducators help teachers, who are responsible for the design and implementation of educational programs and services. They provide extra assistance to students with special needs, such as those who don’t speak English, or those with physical and mental disabilities; student supervision in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, schoolyards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips; and individual or small-group tutoring to help students master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.