Paraprofessional Educator, A.A.S.

Students completing all three components of the program for a total of sixty-four credit hours will fulfill the requirements for an Associate in Applied Science degree while students completing components I and II for a total of thirty-seven hours will fulfill the Certificate Program requirements. Students will be eligible for West Virginia permanent paraprofessional certification (WV code 126-136-25) after completing the Certificate Program.

CAREER DESCRIPTION:

Paraprofessional educators serve in a support capacity including but not limited to facilitating the instruction and direct or indirect supervision of pupils under the direction of an educator. They provide instructional and clerical support for classroom teachers in elementary, middle, and high school settings, and in classrooms that serve anywhere from one to twenty-five children.

• A paraprofessional may be assigned to one student who needs his/her services throughout the day or they may work with small groups of children. They often work alongside the regular classroom teacher helping students with their studies. They may work with a few students in a corner of the classroom while the classroom teacher works with the rest of the class. In addition, paraprofessional educators grade tests and papers, check homework, keep records, type, file, prepare instructional materials, and duplicate materials.
• Many paraprofessional educators work extensively with special education students. At times they must assist students with disabilities with their physical needs such as feeding, riding the bus, and using the bathroom. Some strenuous tasks, such as lifting, may be required.
• Paraprofessional educators are often responsible for large group supervision such as lunchroom supervision, school discipline center, field trips, or after school-late bus supervision.

The classroom teacher will ask the paraprofessional to do many things that will help facilitate learning in the classroom and in the school. Employment opportunities are available in public elementary, middle and high schools, pre-schools, and private schools. Most work six or seven hours per day during the traditional nine to ten month school year.

Students completing all three components of the program, fora total of sixty–four credit hours will fulfill the requirements for an Associate in Applied Science degree. Sutdents will be eligible for West Virginia permanent paraprofessional certification (WV code 126–136–25) after completing Components I & II.