Education Paraprofessionals
Degrees and Programs
Education paraprofessionals perform duties that are instructional in nature or deliver direct services to students or parents. Paraprofessionals serve in positions for which a teacher or another professional has ultimate responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services. Substitute teaching opportunities may also be available.
Courses and Program Options
* Program is available online.
A combination of general education requirements, selected education-related courses, and suggested electives will lead to an associate of arts degree with a concentration in paraprofessional education. Sixty credit hours (which must include at least one professional education course that deals with children, schools or education) and evidence of Human Relations training (verified through documentation of relevant work experience or Human Relations coursework taken from a four-year institution) will meet the requirements to apply for local substitute teaching certification from the Nebraska Department of Education. Check online at www.nde.state.ne.us for more information.
Schools require a criminal background check prior to employment. Individuals with a criminal record may not be eligible for employment as an educator. Please check with an advisor.
Career Information
Favorable job prospects are expected. Almost 4 in 10 teacher assistants work part time. Opportunities should be best for those with at least 2 years of formal postsecondary education, those with experience in helping special education students, or those who can speak a foreign language.
Salary Information
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average salary for education paraprofessionals in Nebraska is $20,320.