As an education paraprofessional, you work on a team with a certified teacher, classified staff, or administrator in teaching, supervising, and supporting students. Paraprofessionals account for a large segment of today's elementary and secondary school workforce. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 500,000 classroom and library assistants were employed, most in public schools. About 75 percent of all paraprofessionals work in elementary schools. Almost half of the paraprofessional workforce is involved in some aspect of special education.

Some responsibilities of a paraprofessional may include:

• One-on-one tutoring or group work
• Assisting with classroom management
• Providing assistance to the teacher
• Providing assistance in a computer laboratory
• Conducting parental involvement activities
• Providing support in a library or media center
• Providing instructional services under the direction of a teacher

Graduates who continue on to complete a bachelor's degree and state teacher certification can become public school teachers.