Paraprofessionals must work under the direct supervision of a properly certificated staff member for the areas they are providing support. Paraprofessionals cannot serve as the teacher of record and may not provide direct instruction to a student unless the paraprofessional is working under the direct supervision of a teacher.

Duties of a paraprofessional include, but are not limited to:

• one-on-one tutoring
• assisting in classroom management
• assisting in computer instruction
• conducting parent involvement activities
• providing instructional support in a library or media center
• acting as a translator in instructional matters
• providing instructional support services.

Non-instructional duties such as providing technical support for computers, personal care services, and clerical duties are generally performed by classroom or school aides, however, this does not preclude paraprofessionals from also assisting in these non-instructional areas.

To qualify as a paraprofessional, the individual must have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) and:

• Demonstrate through a state board approved academic assessment knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing or preparing students to be instructed in the academic areas they are providing support in; or
• Have completed at least two (2) years of study at an accredited postsecondary educational institution; or
• Obtained an associate degree or higher-level degree; demonstrate through a state board approved academic assessment knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing or preparing students to be instructed in the academic areas they are providing support in.

Individuals who do not meet these requirements will be considered school or classroom aides.