Hiring paraprofessionals

Your guide to finding and hiring the right person for your organization

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Job description

How to write a paraprofessional job description

Finding an excellent paraprofessional begins with crafting an excellent job description. You’ll attract strong candidates if the job post is detailed and compelling. Summarize information about your school, the responsibilities of the role, and the requirements for being hired. Applicants will want to meet specific qualifications, so focus on conveying expectations as clearly and completely as possible.

Be sure to keep the job description brief, but include enough specifics that engage potential candidates to apply. Proofreading the job description is essential, so be sure to read it through once or twice before posting.

Paraprofessional job description template

This sample job post will introduce your organization’s culture and values, while helping potential candidates understand how they’ll contribute from Day 1.

Sample paraprofessional job description

At [School X], we provide students with a vibrant learning experience in a welcoming environment, and our teachers rely on paraprofessionals to bring their best to the classroom every day. We’re searching for a qualified paraprofessional to join us in delivering the high-quality learning we’re known for. The ideal candidate has experience in this role and is flexible in adapting to the changing demands of a classroom. This person will work closely with an assigned teacher and provide support by working with students individually and in groups, assisting with lesson plans and materials, grading homework, and writing progress reports. In order to thrive in this role, the paraprofessional must be caring, compassionate, and committed to each student’s success.

Find the right candidate for your organization by posting a good job description for an account executive. You can use the template below and tailor it to your individual needs.

Objectives of this role

Provide instructional reinforcement of lesson plans, under direction of classroom teacher
Serve as a positive, nurturing guide for students
Model the school’s professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, staff, and community members
Supervise students in both instructional and assessment activities, in and out of the classroom
Participate in planning sessions with the learning team, communicating with parents and school officials when necessary

Responsibilities

Co-teach lesson components, as determined by the teacher, by leading small-group and individual discussions and reviewing classwork
Attend to students’ physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs, providing assistance with language translation and hygiene when necessary
Organize classroom and teaching materials, and verify and track student attendance
Perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, and photocopying; grade tests and homework; track student progress
Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, parents, and staff, and participate in parent–teacher conferences and faculty meetings and events