Paraprofessional vs Teacher: Understanding the Difference

Teachers and paraprofessionals are both crucial in the education landscape. While both roles share some similarities, they also have differences in responsibilities, qualifications, and scope of work. Understanding both roles is essential if you’re entering the field of education. In this blog, we discuss the differences between these titles and positions.

Paraprofessional vs Teacher Roles and Responsibilities

Teachers

Generally, when thinking of teacher responsibilities, you think of facilitating and implementing things such as lesson plans. In reality, it is much more than that. Being a teacher doubles as being a role model or mentor for the kids they teach. Teachers impact their students’ lives by molding their social, personal, and professional skills to the best of their ability. A few key roles and responsibilities of a teacher include:

• Providing mentorship
• Inspiring learners
• Being a facilitator
• Communicating clearly
• Being organized
• Creating and preparing lessons
• Manage student behavior
• Engage and participate
• Build positive relationships

Paraprofessionals

Paras take on many roles and responsibilities as the work alongside the licensed teacher. However, there are times where paras work individually as well. While paras work in various educational settings, below are a few key roles of paraprofessionals.

• Classroom/Student Support
• Classroom management
• Special education assistance
• Behavioral support
• Classroom preparation
• Data collection and progress monitoring
• Supervision

Paraprofessional vs Teacher Qualifications and Training

The qualifications and training required for teachers or paraprofessionals vary based on state requirements. For the purpose of this blog, we are going to base the qualifications and training requirements for the state of New York.

Teachers

Becoming a teacher generally requires a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification. The requirements to become a teacher in New York are:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree
  • New York additionally requires 30 semester hours of subject-specific coursework (in the subject you want to teach)
• Earn a Certificate
  • Initial Teachers Certification: In order to earn the initial teacher certification, teachers must past three exams
    • Educating All Students exam (EAS)
    • The Ed Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA)
    • The Content Specialty Test(s) in the teacher’s area of certification
• Professional Certification
  • New York requires all teachers to hold a masters degree within five years after they qualify for the initial teacher certification

Paraprofessionals

Becoming a paraprofessional has less educational requirements compared to a teacher. The steps on how to become a paraprofessional in New York is listed below!

• Earn a high school diploma or GED
• Earn a post-secondary education or bachelor’s degree (optional – highly encouraged)
• Gain experience in childcare
• Earn your substitute paraprofessional certificate
  • You must first become a substitute paraprofessional before being eligible to be a full time paraprofessional
• Earn your paraprofessional / teacher assistant certificate

Paraprofessional vs Teacher Career Advancement Opportunities

Teachers

Teachers have numerous opportunities to advance in their careers by pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. These opportunities may require transitioning to a new role entirely or by gaining more responsibilities. Below is a list of advancement opportunities for teachers:

• Specialist roles
  • Literacy specialist
  • STEAM education
  • Science
  • Technology
• Departmental leadership
• School administration
• Counseling
• Alternate paths outside of education:
  • Social work
  • Publishing
  • Consulting

Paraprofessionals

Paras can choose to advance their careers in a number of ways. The following general pathways are listed below:

• Certified teacher
• Specialist paraprofessional
• Bilingual or special education
• Administration

Conclusion

While both paraprofessionals and teachers are vital to the education system, their roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and career paths differ. It’s important to understand the differences between the two. While teachers hold a primary responsibility for instruction, paraprofessionals play a crucial part in providing classroom support, assistance, and personalized student instruction. If you have a passion for molding the next generation, becoming either a teacher or paraprofessional may be a great fit for you. If you’re looking for a check out our current open jobs in New York!