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ParaeducatorsParaprofessionals, teacher's aides, educational assistants, instructional assistants, paraeducators - these different job titles (and there are more) reflect the variety of roles and responsibilities of this key member of the special education team. Today's paraeducator may be found in a pre-kindergarten class for children with special needs, out in the community, serving as a job coach for a student with developmental disabilities, in a resource room for adolescents with learning disabilities, or in a 4th-grade classroom that contains some students with and without special needs. In short, paraeducators are present in most educational settings under the supervision of the teacher, and they have skills and contributions that make them highly valued and sought after in education. Nature of Work Nature of Work
Education Required
Personal Qualities
Job Outlook and AdvancementEmployment of teacher aides is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Student enrollments at the elementary and secondary level are expected to rise, spurring strong demand for teacher aides to assist and monitor students and provide teachers with clerical assistance. Teacher aides will also be required to help teachers meet the educational needs of a growing special education population, particularly as these students are increasingly assimilated into general education classrooms. (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 1998-99) How to Prepare for a CareerThe best way to find out what it is like to be a paraeducator is to try it out! Teachers are almost always willing to have a volunteer help them. This is an excellent way to observe what goes on in a classroom and get familiar with the work of a paraeducator. You can also help someone teach a class at his or her church, lead a scout troop, or work with other youth groups. Any opportunity to help work with children, and especially children with disabilities, can provide excellent experience. Related Careers
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