Profiles

Joseph H. Davis is currently an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. Professor Davis has been in the field of education for forty years serving as a special education teacher, principal of a state approved private school, counselor and educational consultant. He maintained a private practice as a psycho-therapist. He earned his B.S. degree from West Chester University and a M.A. from Villanova University.

“What is a Paraprofessional ?”

Professor Joseph H. Davis, Lehigh Carbon Community College

Paraprofessionals play a major role in the educational community, mental health programs and medical field. In the field of education paraprofessionals serve both special education students and students in inclusive settings. Education paraprofessionals serve under the supervision of certified teachers and provide direct educational services to students. Paraprofessionals in mental health and health care serve in the capacity of personal care, often working one-on-one with both children and adults with special needs.

The role of paraprofessionals has changed over the years. Paraprofessionals were first employed in schools in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The job title was “teacher aide”, with no particular professional credential. The role of the “teacher aide” was mostly clerical support for teachers.  With the mandate of IDEA in the mid 1970s and the growth of special education programs in the 1980s the value of paraprofessionals in the instruction of children with special needs in both specialized  and inclusive settings has been well documented.

As the role of the paraprofessional became more involved in instruction the 1990’s and 2000's the professional responsibility has increased. With the increase in professional responsibility also came an increased need for professional training of paraprofessionals. To become a paraprofessional a student is required to have a two year college degree. Ideally the degree should be one that reflects a specialized training as a paraprofessional such as Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Paraprofessional A. A. S. degree.

Paraprofessionals report a great deal of job satisfaction through direct contact with students and adults. It is rewarding to observe children and adults making progress and knowing that you are having a true positive effect upon someone’s life. Currently there are 1.2 million paraprofessionals employed in schools (both public and private), centers, Head Start programs, health care facilities, residential facilities and service agencies.

The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals  is the national organization for paraprofessionals. For more information about paraprofessionals, please contact N.R.C.P.