Who is a paraprofessional in an educational context?

A paraprofessional in an educational context is a support staff member assisting professional educators. This role typically involves working alongside teachers to help implement lesson plans, provide one-on-one support to students, and manage classroom activities. Paraprofessionals often work in special education settings, providing additional assistance to students with diverse learning needs, but they can also be found in general education settings.

Their primary function is to support the instructional process rather than take on the responsibilities of a certified teacher. This collaborative approach allows professional educators to focus on delivering high-quality teaching while ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed academically.