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What is a substitute paraprofessional and how to become one
If you have a passion for teaching but can't commit to a full-time position, the role of a substitute paraprofessional may be just the job for you. A paraprofessional is an education worker that supports licensed teachers by performing various tasks in classroom management and student administration. These tasks typically include checking attendance, helping teachers with lesson plans, preparing teaching materials, co-teaching under supervision, and conducting classes when the teacher is unavailable.
Aside from these primary roles, a substitute paraprofessional may also assist students with special needs, report to the teacher about students' progress, and update individual educational programs as needed.
You only need a high school diploma or GED to become a substitute paraprofessional, but an associate's degree in a relevant course is a great advantage. More important than these requirements are good skills in teaching, classroom management, organization, and collaboration.
The average salary of a substitute paraprofessional is $25,000 a year. However, since substitute paraprofessionals work on an on-call or temporary basis, their income can vary depending on the demand for their services.
What general advice would you give to a substitute paraprofessional?
Jo Jimerson Ph.D.
Professor & William L. & Betty F. Adams Chair of Education, Texas Christian University
Avg. Salary $28,914
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.18%
Asian 8.25%
Black or African American 8.12%
Hispanic or Latino 17.12%
Unknown 4.39%
White 60.94%
Genderfemale 84.62%
male 15.38%
Age - 45American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 45Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is basic
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Substitute paraprofessional career paths
Key steps to become a substitute paraprofessional
Explore substitute paraprofessional education requirements
Start to develop specific substitute paraprofessional skills
Skills Percentages Instructional Support 14.70% Math 9.48% Classroom Environment 8.84% Mathematics 8.00% Classroom Management 7.08% Gain additional substitute paraprofessional certifications
More About CertificationsSubstitute paraprofessional certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific substitute paraprofessional certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for substitute paraprofessionals include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor.
Research substitute paraprofessional duties and responsibilities
- Obtain finger print clearance card, CPR and first aid certify.
- Help students with strategies to assist them with studying, reading and math.
- Assist teachers with math, literacy and science centers and chaperone field trips.
- Assist in a variety of classrooms throughout the district with children who qualify for para support
Prepare your substitute paraprofessional resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your substitute paraprofessional resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a substitute paraprofessional resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable substitute paraprofessional resume templates
Build a professional substitute paraprofessional resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your substitute paraprofessional resume.
Apply for substitute paraprofessional jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a substitute paraprofessional job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first substitute paraprofessional job
Are you a substitute paraprofessional?
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Average substitute paraprofessional salary
The average substitute paraprofessional salary in the United States is $28,914 per year or $14 per hour. Substitute paraprofessional salaries range between $23,000 and $35,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do substitute paraprofessionals rate their job?
Substitute paraprofessional reviews
As a paraprofessional, you often get left out of Professional Development activities, vertical team meetings, etc. and have a limited capacity to influence educational decisions within the organization.
Helping students with various intellectual or behavior disabilities to be successful in the classroom and in life.
Being able to make an impact on kids with a disability and being there friend.
Just the time I invest with all the work I did for the school district. I was a volunteer wrestling coach and a para for Jenks high school in Tulsa Oklahoma. I enjoyed my experience but realize safety and health was want to go into.
Assisting the children excel and overcome the daily difficulties. Also, to assist the classroom teacher help make their day go a little smoother.
The only part after 13 years as a para was having to restrain a student to protect them from hurting their selves or others students in the area.
Updated January 8, 2025
