Teacher's aides and paraprofessionals support teachers and students in public and private schools. You might work with small reading groups, help students with disabilities follow their individual plans, supervise lunch and recess, or prepare classroom materials. It's a way to work in schools without a teaching degree, and many paraprofessionals go on to become teachers.
Qualification rules
Under federal law, paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in programs funded by Title I must have at least two years of college, an associate degree or higher, or pass a formal state or local assessment of their knowledge and ability to support instruction in reading, writing, and math. Many districts use the ParaPro Assessment for this. Districts may add their own requirements, so check each posting. List your college credits, degree, or passed assessment clearly on your resume.
What principals and teachers look for
They want patient, dependable adults who work well under a teacher's direction, manage student behavior calmly, and keep student information confidential. Experience with special education, reading support, or specific student needs is especially valued.
Resume summary
Supportive teacher's aide with experience helping classroom teachers in elementary and special education settings. Patient with students of all abilities and quick to step in where needed. Looking to bring caring, steady classroom support to a new role.
Skills to list
- Small group and one-on-one instruction support
- Special education and IEP support
- Behavior management strategies
- Lesson and material prep
- Recess and lunch supervision
- Reading and math intervention basics
- Classroom technology (Chromebooks, smartboards)
- FERPA and student privacy
- Bilingual support (where applicable)
- Reliable attendance
Experience bullet points
- Supported the classroom teacher with small group instruction and one-on-one help
- Worked with students who have IEPs by following their plans and tracking progress
- Used positive behavior strategies to keep the classroom calm and on task
- Prepared lesson materials including copies, manipulatives, and learning stations
- Supervised students during recess, lunch, and transitions between classes
- Helped reluctant readers and struggling math students one chapter at a time
- Used Chromebooks, smartboards, and learning apps to support lessons
- Followed FERPA rules and kept student information private and secure
- Communicated with classroom teachers and special education staff daily
- Kept reliable attendance because students count on the same faces every day
Sample job entry
Special Education Paraprofessional, Public Elementary School, Jefferson County, AL. 2022 to Present. Support 8 students with IEPs in a self-contained classroom and during inclusion in general education classes; lead small reading groups; track student progress for the teacher; help de-escalate behavior using positive strategies.
Tips for this job
- List your qualifications clearly. College credits, degree, or ParaPro score belong near the top.
- Mention special education experience. Supporting students with IEPs, behavior plans, or specific disabilities is in high demand.
- Include training. Crisis prevention, CPR, and reading intervention training all help.
- Show your path. If you're working toward a teaching degree or certification, say so. Many districts support paraprofessionals who want to teach.
Build your resume free
Open the 360 Quick Resume builder, choose Childcare & Education, then pick Teacher's Aide / Paraprofessional. This summary, skills list, and these bullet points load in for you to edit. Download as PDF, Word, or plain text, free.
Want more help? Read how to list skills on your resume or how to explain a gap in your resume.