Top 10 Skills Every Paraprofessional Should Have

Paraprofessionals play an important role in the education system. Paras are often referred to as the backbone of the classroom. Whether they work one on one with a student or in small groups, paras leave a huge impact on the students they work with. In order to excel in this field, paraprofessionals should have a specific set of skills that go beyond general teaching skills. Since paraprofessionals work with a licensed teacher, they assist in many aspects of teaching and managing a classroom. It’s important to have the following top 10 skills every paraprofessional should have if you’re entering the education field.

Top 10 Skills Every Paraprofessional Should Have

1. Communication Skills

Paraprofessionals can be found in special education and general education classrooms. As a paraprofessional you will be communicating with students, teachers, families, and other support staff therefore, communication plays a vital role in the paraprofessional position. It’s important to modify communication skills since paras work with students of all ages and abilities. Clear and concise communication is needed to ensure that everyone involved in a student’s education progress are all on the same page.

2. Patience

Patience is one of the top skills a paraprofessional should have. Since paras work with all abilities and ages, it takes an incredible amount of patience, understanding, and empathy. There may be times where paras encounter stressful situations such as a behavioral issues and it’s important to stay calm in order to de-escalate the issue.

3. Organization

As I mentioned earlier, paras have many different responsibilities and tasks that are required to keep track of. Organization is not only for keeping track of tasks but it’s also important because paraprofessionals are intended to be role models. Being organized means always being prepared, keeping track of student progress, and much more. Organization is the key to being efficient and ensuring that all duties will be complete in a timely manner.

4. Classroom Management

Classroom Management is important as a paraprofessional since they oversee all aspects of a classroom while the designated teacher teaches the lesson. Paras must maintain high expectations for students while providing just the correct amount of support for their long-term success. A well-managed and structured classroom can also promote good behavior.

5. Empathy

Being empathetic is an important skill not just for paraprofessionals but for everyone that works in education or with children, and especially if they work in special education. Empathy goes hand in hand with patience. Being empathetic means putting aside any judgement, taking a different perspective approach, trying to understand a student’s feelings, and communicating that you understand where they are coming from. Paraprofessionals can create strong bonds with students when they practice empathy.

6. Teamwork

Paraprofessionals work with many different people therefore teamwork is extremely important. If a paraprofessional is working with a student that has an IEP/504 Plan, they must be able to communicate clearly to the students’ other educators on any progress or regression of the student. Everyone that is involved with a student’s education should be on the same page at all times to ensure the best outcomes.

7. Adaptability

When working with students who have a wide range of disabilities, being flexible is key. Often times paraprofessionals will need to adapt to the students’ needs. There may be times where a student’s IEP/504 Plan has been revised and the teaching strategies, approaches, and materials will all change.

8. Lesson Plan Creation

Often times teachers will ask paraprofessionals for a hand in lesson creation. Lesson planning involves having knowledge of different subjects. Consider learning how to create effective and inclusive lesson plans through any training the school may provide.

9. Leadership

Paraprofessionals are in a leadership position in the classroom, therefore having leadership skills is essential. Paras help shape the future generation and often become mentors to their students. Having strong leadership skills can guide students in learning new skills, lessons and more.

10. Positive Attitude

Lastly, all paraprofessionals should have a positive attitude especially since they deal with kids. Being in a role model position, your attitude plays into the students’ emotions and overall classroom feeling. Paras should be demonstrating impeccable behavior. Having a positive attitude can directly affect the student’s interest in material, productivity, and classroom behaviors.

Conclusion

Paraprofessionals have a huge impact and effect on the students they teach. Having a positive attitude, excellent leadership, adaptability, lesson planning creation, empathy, teamwork, communication, organization, patience, and classroom management are the top 10 skills every paraprofessional should have. Paraprofessionals that encompass these top 10 skills are on the road to a very successful career. Whether you’re looking for a paraprofessional job, teacher assistant job, or a different title within the education field, candidates should have and practice these skills. If you’re looking for a paraprofessional job in New York, check out our current open jobs!