A paraprofessional is someone who works alongside a professional to help them do their job, without having all the same training or credentials as that professional. The word breaks down into para- (meaning “alongside”) and professional.

In schools, paraprofessionals often work with teachers to support students who need extra help. A classroom paraprofessional might work one-on-one with a student who has trouble reading, help a small group practice math problems, or assist a student with special needs. The teacher plans the lessons and leads the class, while the paraprofessional provides additional support where it's needed most.

Paraprofessionals also work in other fields. In law offices, paralegals are paraprofessionals who help lawyers prepare cases. In medicine, physical therapy assistants are paraprofessionals who help physical therapists work with patients recovering from injuries.

The key idea is that paraprofessionals have important training and skills, but they work under the guidance of fully licensed professionals. A paraprofessional teacher's aide might have completed special training programs, but they assist the certified teacher rather than running the classroom independently. Their work is valuable and necessary because they help professionals serve more people more effectively.