Paraprofessional educators, or instructional assistants or teacher's aides, are crucial
in providing students with specialized and personal teaching to fit their needs. Paraprofessional
educators work in a wide variety of education settings, such as classrooms, computer
labs, or outdoors in private or public schools. ParaPros assist in instruction, grading
assignments, supervision and child development.
Complete the certificate to gain immediate credentials or complete the associate degree.
Choose from 100% online or a mix of online and on-campus courses to fit your schedule.
Dive into topics such as elementary teaching, working with students with disabilities,
technology in education, children’s literature, educational psychology, speech communication
and more.
Prepare for the Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed for Paraprofessional licensure
exam offered by the State of Illinois.
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Earn a paraprofessional degree
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to help prepare you for immediate entry into this career field.
Coursework in the AAS may also prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or speak with your advisor.
If you have already earned some college credit or a bachelor's degree in an unrelated
field, you can jumpstart your career in education with the paraprofessional certificate.
The certificate will prepare you with the necessary skills to be successful as a teacher's
aid. Once completed, your coursework is stackable to a degree program through additional
coursework.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Paraprofessional Educator degree/certificate
programs. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including
salaries, open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Paraprofessional Educator Careers page.
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special
Education
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special
Education
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional
duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the
design and implementation of educational programs and services.
Core tasks:
Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums,
or on field trips.
Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments
and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent
injuries and damage.
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic,
social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design
and implementation of educational programs and services.
Core tasks:
Assist in bus loading and unloading.
Assist librarians in school libraries.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
Carry out therapeutic regimens, such as behavior modification and personal development
programs, under the supervision of special education instructors, psychologists, or
speech-language pathologists.
For more information on how to get your paraeducator degree at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
Paraprofessional Educator Program News
Get the latest news and updates from the Harper Paraprofessional Educator department.
