12 Paraprofessional Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023

Working as a paraprofessional can be a very rewarding experience. It can also be a challenging one. There are a number of skills that are necessary in order to be successful in this role. Some of the most important skills include the ability to communicate effectively, to be patient, and to be organized. It is also important to be able to work well with others and to have a positive attitude.

Patience

Patience is the ability to remain calm and focused in a situation, even when there is frustration or adversity. This skill is important for paraprofessionals because they often work with individuals who may be experiencing challenges in their lives, and it is important to be able to provide support and assistance without becoming overwhelmed or frustrated.

Good communication skills

Good communication skills are important for paraprofessionals because they need to be able to effectively communicate with the students they are working with, as well as the teachers and other school staff.

Strong work ethic

A strong work ethic is the foundation of any successful career. It's what drives you to show up on time, put in the extra effort, and always give your best. Paraprofessionals who have a strong work ethic set the tone for those around them and are an essential part of any team.

Ability to follow instructions

The ability to follow instructions is a skill that is needed by paraprofessionals in order to be able to carry out the tasks that they are assigned. This skill is important because it ensures that the paraprofessional is able to understand and execute the tasks that they are given in a correct and efficient manner.

Ability to work independently

The ability to work independently is a key skill for paraprofessionals, as they often have to work without close supervision. This means that they need to be able to take initiative and be self-motivated in order to get the job done.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to change. As a paraprofessional, you may be working with students who have special needs or who are in a crisis situation. You need to be able to adapt your approach and be flexible in order to best support the students you are working with.

Good organizational skills

Organizational skills are important for paraprofessionals because they often have to keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines. Good organizational skills can help them stay on top of their work and avoid missing any important deadlines.

Good people skills

Good people skills are important for paraprofessionals because they need to be able to communicate and interact with the people they are assisting. Paraprofessionals need to be able to build relationships of trust and respect with the people they work with in order to be effective in their job.

Knowledge of child development

The ability to understand child development is important for paraprofessionals who work with children, as it helps them to better understand the needs of the children they are working with. This knowledge can also help paraprofessionals to develop more effective strategies for working with children.

Classroom management skills

Classroom management skills are the ability to create and maintain an effective learning environment in a classroom. This includes being able to manage student behavior, keep students on task, and provide appropriate support and guidance. Paraprofessionals need these skills in order to be successful in supporting students' learning.

Behavior management skills

Behavior management skills are important for paraprofessionals because they need to be able to effectively manage the behavior of students. This includes being able to identify and address problem behaviors, as well as providing positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Positive attitude

A positive attitude is a critical skill for paraprofessionals because they often work with students who have special needs. These students may be facing challenges in their lives, and it is the paraprofessional's job to help them overcome these challenges. A positive attitude can help paraprofessionals build rapport with their students and create a positive learning environment.

How to improve paraprofessional skills

Working as a paraprofessional can be a very rewarding experience. It is a chance to directly help students in their academic and social development. Paraprofessionals play an important role in the education process, and their skills can have a direct impact on student success. There are many ways to improve paraprofessional skills, and the following tips can help get you started.

1. Get to know your students. One of the most important things you can do as a paraprofessional is to get to know your students. Learn about their interests, strengths, and weaknesses. This will help you better understand how to best support them academically and socially.

2. Develop strong communication skills. Good communication is essential for working effectively with students, parents, and teachers. Make sure you are clear when communicating expectations and instructions. Be patient when listening to students, and be sure to provide feedback that is both positive and constructive.

3. Stay organized. Paraprofessionals often have a lot of responsibility, so it is important to stay organized. Keep track of deadlines, assignments, and meetings. Create a system that works for you and stick to it. This will help you stay on top of everything and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

4. Be flexible. Things change quickly in the world of education, so it is important to be flexible as a paraprofessional. Be open to trying new things and adapting to new situations. This flexibility will allow you to better meet the needs of your students.

5. Advocate for your students. Paraprofessionals are in a unique position to advocate for their students’ needs. If you see something that isn’t working or that could be improved, speak up! Your insights and observations can make a big difference in the lives of your students

How to highlight paraprofessional skills

If you are a paraprofessional, you may be wondering how to highlight your skills in order to stand out to potential employers. There are a few things you can do to make sure your skills are noticed. First, make sure your resume is up-to-date and includes all of your relevant experience. Be sure to highlight any training or certifications you have in the field. If you have any special skills or knowledge, be sure to mention them as well. Next, take some time to network with other professionals in the field. Attend industry events and meetups, and connect with others on social media. This will help you build relationships and get your name out there. Finally, don’t be afraid to promote yourself! Let people know what you’re good at and why they should hire you. Be confident in your abilities and others will take notice.

On a resume

In order to highlight your skills as a paraprofessional on your resume, you should first identify what your strongest skills are. Once you have done this, you can then look for ways to showcase these skills on your resume. For example, if you have strong organizational skills, you might want to list any relevant experience you have in organizing events or projects. If you have strong communication skills, you might want to highlight any experience you have in customer service or public speaking. Whatever your strongest skills are, make sure to list them prominently on your resume so that potential employers can see them.

In a cover letter

When writing a cover letter as a paraprofessional, be sure to highlight your skills and qualifications. Include any relevant experience working with children or adults with special needs, as well as any relevant education or certification. Be sure to emphasize your ability to work as part of a team and provide support to both students and teachers.

During an interview

When you are interviewed for a paraprofessional position, be sure to highlight your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the job. Talk about your experience working with children or adults with special needs, and how you are able to provide support and assistance to them. Describe how you are patient and caring, and how you are able to create a positive and supportive environment for those you work with. Be sure to give specific examples of times when you have made a difference in someone's life. By highlighting your skills and experiences, you will show the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job.