Jeanette Carlson
Deb Craig
Joy Crenshaw
Jane Kapanke
Kathy Koltermann
Rhonda Pickering
Carrie Radke
Stephanie Steiner
Katie Jones
A paraprofessional -- often referred to as an aide or teacher's assistant -- is a special-education worker who is not licensed to teach, but performs many duties both individually with students and organizationally in the classroom. Your child may be assigned a one-on-one paraprofessional as part of his or her IEP, or interact with a paraprofessional assigned to the classroom. The No Child Left Behind Act expanded the qualifications required to become a paraprofessional, as well as the duties paraprofessionals are permitted to carry out. Paraprofessional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, supporting the lesson plan of a properly licensed teacher, providing technical assistance to the teacher, and helping with classroom management. Paraprofessionals are under the direct supervision and has regular, continuing interaction between a properly licensed special education teacher, or a licensed director of special education and pupil services. Having a certified, enthusiastic, well-prepared paraprofessional can make an enormous difference in the efficiency of your child's classroom and the implementation of your child's IEP.