A paraprofessional is a person hired to work with/assist special ed students. It’s not uncommon for a special needs student to have his own paraprofessional as some disabilities require that much help.
A paraprofessional is not a licensed teacher, no degree required and the pay is usually right around minimum wage to start.
and they are true angels too the children and families with disabilities.
Again you post only what you believe to be true but isn’t in all States and Districts. OMG some of you people are really clueless.
Some States and some Districts require Certification/college degree in order to be a Paraprofessional. It depends on the State and District requirements. Pay can exceed $50,000/yr for a 10 month employee (or 181 days) with full medical and pension benefits. Or it can be as little as you stated.
People really need to read the requirements for their State and individual Districts.
In NJ, a Certified Teacher with a Bachelors’ Degree or post graduate degree can make around $50,000 or more/year with full medical and pension benefits being a “paraprofessional” depending on experience. It’s also possible for a person with no college degree or certification to be employed as a “paraprofessional” or aide or some other delineation for various “aide” type jobs in schools.
I am astounded by the ignorance on this thread.