ERIC Number: ED663769
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Paraprofessionals' Perceptions of Job-Related Supports, Challenges, and Effectiveness
Sally K. Fluhler; Christopher J. Lemons; Yasmina E. Haddad; Casey Chauvin; Guy Martin; Lauren LeJeune; Emily Gurwitz
Grantee Submission
The purpose of this study was to explore paraeducators' perceptions of job-related supports, challenges, and effectiveness. Qualitative interviews were collect from 47 paraeducators across three states in the South and Southwest regions of the United States. A majority of paraeducators report being satisfied in their job and having positive relationships with school-related personnel and students. A few paraeducators expressed a desire for more responsibilities. Several paraeducators reported feeling unprepared and in need of additional training. Paraeducators reported receiving insufficient professional development to perform their job. Many raised complaints about insufficient pay. And, although many reported feeling supported by their special education teacher; a small percentage reported a lack of support. Many paraeducators reported insufficient communication with other school staff. Primary implications suggest the need to improve professional development, on-going coaching, and working conditions (including salary) for paraeducators. [This chapter was published in: "Handbook of Special Education Research, Volume II," Routledge, 2022, pp. 97-109.]
Descriptors: Paraprofessional School Personnel, Attitudes, Work Environment, Barriers, Program Effectiveness, Teaching Conditions, Job Satisfaction, Interpersonal Relationship, Responsibility, Educational Needs, Job Skills, Professional Development, Salaries, Special Education Teachers, Teacher Role, Interpersonal Communication, Elementary Schools, Middle Schools
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R324A190240
Author Affiliations: N/A

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