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Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals provide instructional and non-instructional supports and services for students in an educational and work settings. A special education paraprofessional is a person who works with one or more students with disabilities under the direction of a teacher or certified professional. Paraprofessionals may be known by various titles, including a teacher’s aide, teacher assistant, paraeducator, one-to-one aide, instructional aide, job coach, or personal care assistant (PCA).

In Pennsylvania, two types of paraprofessionals work with students with disabilities: instructional paraprofessionals and personal care assistants (PCA).

Resources

APR: Is a Career as a Paraprofessional Right for You? APR: Is a Career as a Paraprofessional Right for You? The APR: Career Exploration Series offers valuable insights into the various professional roles in special education and can educate students on potential career paths. This fact sheet highlights key aspects of a Paraprofessional, such as daily responsibilities and the skills required for success. Visit the APR Repository to learn more about Pennsylvania's APR initiative.
APR: Is a Career as a Paraprofessional Right for You? APR: Is a Career as a Paraprofessional Right for You? The APR: Career Exploration Series offers valuable insights into the various professional roles in special education and can educate students on potential career paths. This fact sheet highlights key aspects of a Paraprofessional, such as daily responsibilities and the skills required for success. Visit the APR Repository to learn more about Pennsylvania's APR initiative.
Education Leader - Administrators' Review of Systems and Supports for Paraprofessionals Education Leader - Administrators' Review of Systems and Supports for Paraprofessionals School leaders should periodically examine the practices and procedures related to special education paraprofessionals to determine areas of strength and those in need of improvement, so the educational needs of students with disabilities are met in the most effective and efficient ways. This issue of the Special Education Leader provides a tool that school leaders may use as a guide for evaluating a system's current practices.
Teachers' Desk Reference: Special Education Paraprofessionals and Teachers Working as a Team Teachers' Desk Reference: Special Education Paraprofessionals and Teachers Working as a Team This issue of Teachers’ Desk Reference focuses on ways that teachers, instructional paraprofessionals, and other personnel can blend their respective talents and expertise to advance student success.

Click here to order the entire Teachers' Desk Reference series in a convenient bundle.
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