What tasks are involved in being a paraprofessional in high school?

I might want to work in a school environment and am considering the paraprofessional route. What kind of responsibilities and day-to-day tasks does a high school paraprofessional have? How do they support teachers and students?

A paraprofessional in a high school setting plays a very important role in supporting both teachers and students. Here's a breakdown of what the day-to-day might look like:

Assisting Teachers: One of the primary responsibilities is to assist and support teachers in their classroom management. This can include creating lesson plans under the guidance of the teacher, delivering instructional material, grading assignments, or helping to maintain classroom discipline. Depending on the needs of the school, paraprofessionals often work with teachers in particular subjects or grade levels.

Supporting Students: Paraprofessionals also provide one-on-one assistance to students, especially those with special needs. This assistance can vary a lot based on the students' needs but might involve helping students understand the material, keeping them on task, or providing emotional support.

Classroom Preparation: Paraprofessionals may often be tasked with preparing materials or setting up the classroom for lessons. This could include setting up lab equipment, gathering books or materials for a particular unit, or even assisting with the technological needs of the class.

Administrative Tasks: Paraprofessionals often also undertake administrative tasks such as taking attendance, managing classroom supplies, or helping with paperwork related to students or classroom activities.

To sum up, as a high school paraprofessional, one's main role is to provide support wherever it's needed to both teachers and students and to help ensure a smooth and effective learning environment. It can be a rewarding role for those passionate about education and working with students.