Understanding Paraprofessional Educator Certificate Requirements

Paraprofessionals, also known as paraeducators, education assistants (EA), instructional assistants, instructional support staff, or educational support persons (ESP), play important roles in schools. These non-licensed support staff provide essential support to teachers and students. This article outlines the requirements for paraprofessionals, focusing on training, credentials, and recognition, particularly within the context of Minnesota public schools.

The Role of Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals support teachers and students in many ways under the supervision of a licensed teacher.

Minnesota-Specific Information

The information below pertains specifically to paraprofessionals in Minnesota. It covers training requirements, a voluntary paraprofessional credential, and the annual paraprofessional recognition week.

Funding and Program Impact on Minimum Qualification Requirements

Specific funding sources and programs impact the minimum qualifications required for paraprofessionals. These requirements ensure that paraprofessionals working in specific programs have the necessary skills and knowledge to support students effectively.

Special Education

All paraprofessionals supporting children with disabilities in special education programs, regardless of the school, program, or instructional setting, must meet specific criteria outlined in 34 CFR 300.156. To meet the requirements, paraprofessionals must satisfy one of the following conditions:

Complete two years of college credits through an accredited institution
Obtain an associate degree or higher
Achieve a passing score on an approved formal academic assessment
Meet the competencies listed in the MDE approved competency grid

Only paraprofessionals meeting one of the personnel qualification requirements are eligible for state special education aid calculations.

Title I, Part A Schoolwide Program

Instructional paraprofessionals in a Title I, Part A Schoolwide program, must meet one of the following qualifications:

Two years of college credits through an accredited institution
An associate degree or higher
Passing score on an approved academic assessment

There is no change in funding related to qualifications. A Title I, Part A school with a Schoolwide Program that is not compliant with the requirement will need to create and implement a corrective action plan to bring all instructional staff into compliance with the requirements. This could include switching from a Schoolwide program to a Targeted program.

Title I, Part A Targeted Assistance Program

Instructional paraprofessionals paid in whole or part by Title I, Part A funding must meet one of the following criteria:

Two years of college credits through an accredited institution
An associate degree or higher
Passing score on an approved academic assessment

There is no change in funding related to qualifications. A Title I, Part A school with a Targeted Assistance Program that is not compliant with the requirement will need to create and implement a corrective action plan to bring all impacted employees into compliance with the requirements.

Read also: Comprehensive Guide

Training Requirements in Minnesota

Minnesota Statutes outline specific training requirements for paraprofessionals.

Within 60 days of starting work as a paraprofessional, school districts must provide the training required in Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.363, subdivision 3.
School districts must provide at least eight hours of annual paid professional development to all paraprofessionals and other instructional support staff, with at least six hours completed before the first instructional day or within 30 days of hiring, according to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 121A.642. The professional development must be relevant to work responsibilities and may include planning with the classroom teacher or the requirements of Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.363, subdivision 3. A school administrator must annually certify compliance with the requirement. Starting in SY25, school districts will be separately reimbursed for prior year compensation of the eight hours of paid professional development.

Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential in Minnesota

Paraprofessionals who have passed an assessment(s) approved by the Minnesota Department of Education may wish to complete the additional requirements to obtain the Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential administered by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The voluntary credential is not required to work as a paraprofessional.

Paraprofessional Recognition Week in Minnesota

Recognition of paraprofessional contributions to student success is celebrated during the last full week of January. The Governor’s proclamation and certificate of commendation are posted each year as they become available from the Governor’s office.

Additional Training for Specific Roles

Paraprofessionals providing instructional support to individuals with disabilities must demonstrate completion of twenty contact hours of inservice training conducted within one calendar year of employment in which the paraeducator assumes assigned duties.

Other State-Specific Information

North Dakota

If you want a copy of the Paraeducator Training Modules, please contact our office at (701) 328-2277.

Read also: Indispensable Paraprofessionals

Texas

You must first be employed by a school district before being eligible to apply for an Educational Aide certificate. Contact your employing school district for application instructions. If you have not been advised to do so by your employing school district, you may not apply. Your application will not be processed. Once you have been advised to do so by your employing school district, you will need to set up your online TEAL and ECOS accounts. Once logged into ECOS, you would select the Applications tab and then Educational Aide Certificate and follow the prompts to apply and pay the fee. Your employing school district will need to recommend your ECOS application to be issued by TEA. As part of that recommendation, they will enter if you are eligible to be an Educational Aide I, II or III. As of January 1, 2018, Educational Aide certificates cannot be renewed. An individual who holds a Standard 5-year Educational Aide certificate will no longer be able to renew and must reapply for the new 2-year, non-renewable Educational Aide certificate. must have a final grade of 70 or better in two or more education and training courses specified in Chapter 127, Subchapter G, Education and Training, for three or more credits verified in writing by the superintendent of the district where the credits were earned. The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)-issued Educational Aide I certificate is utilized for purposes of awarding industry-based certification (IBC) to qualifying high school students. The rules specific to issuance of the Educational Aide Certificate can be found in Chapter 230. Professional Educator Preparation and Certification, Subchapter E. Educational Aide Certificate.

Illinois

Beginning January 1, 2023, individuals who are 18 years of age may qualify for the ELS-Paraprofessional to serve students PK-8 by meeting the requirements outlined below. If you hold a Paraprofessional License and have a Bachelor’s Degree on file, you are qualified to be a substitute teacher. If you hold an Illinois Substitute License and a bachelor’s degree, you are qualified to serve as a Paraprofessional without holding a separate ELS-Paraprofessional credential.

Educator Pathway Programs

Students taking courses through the Educator Pathway Program can combine specific courses to earn a Special Education Paraprofessional certification. This opportunity provides a solid foundation in educational pedagogy and enables students to contribute actively to their communities. It signifies students' early dedication to the field of education and prepares them for a fulfilling career focused on teaching and nurturing students' development.

Students can choose from three universities and take the listed courses to earn the special education certificate:

Valley City
- EDUC 250 Introduction to Education (with embedded field experience) AND EDUC 240 Educating Exceptional Students
- EDUC 251 Introduction to the Teaching Profession AND EDUC 252 Introductory Field Experience AND EDUC 240 Educating Exceptional Students
Minot State University
- SPED 110 Introduction to Exceptional Children AND SPED 299 Special Education Field Experience
Mayville State University
- SPED 289 Foundations of Special Education AND SPED 289A Foundations of Special Education Practicum

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