Paraprofessionals can typically be found in classrooms, on the playground, or in the cafeteria, helping students, teachers, and staff get through the day.

Paraprofessionals are the unsung heroes of school and help make each classroom a more inclusive environment for all students.

So, what is a paraprofessional?

Paraprofessionals are sometimes called instructional aides, paraeducators, teacher’s aides, or paraprofessional teachers.

The paraprofessional’s role consists of numerous responsibilities, depending on the area they are working in. They work with students in small groups, provide one on one assistance, reinforce learning goals, and help lesson plans run smoothly.

The ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), previously known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), is the primary education law for all United States public schools.

Paraprofessional: An individual who is employed in a… school under the supervision of a certified or licensed teacher

The Every Student Succeeds Act

“Paraprofessional” can mean many things, so think of the ESSA’s definition as an umbrella term for a variety of jobs.

Paraprofessionals are not responsible for lesson planning or teaching entire classes of students as they have different responsibilities. However, they are essential to creating the best learning environment for all students, though many parents may not notice it.

Here are a few different types of paraprofessionals that you might find at school:

1. Special education paraprofessional

In the past, students with special needs were completely removed from the large classroom and placed in a separate room or even school. This practice is largely outdated and now most students with special needs are included in classrooms with other students.

Classes with students with special needs often have special education paraprofessionals assigned to them. The paraprofessional’s presence helps support the classroom teacher. This support can be working in small groups with students, ensuring a student receives extra attention, or acting as a teaching assistant around the classroom.

2. Language support paraprofessional

Bilingual paraprofessionals provide language support to students who are learning English. These paraprofessionals explain the lesson in a student’s native language to help them understand the content.

Language support professionals help translate learning materials to students in small groups and in one-on-one time, depending on the students’ native languages.

These students are known as English Language Learners (ELLs) and because of their language support paraprofessional, they are able to succeed in school as they learn English!

3. Behavioral support paraprofessional

Behavioral support paraprofessionals assist classrooms that have students who struggle with acceptable classroom behavior.

These students often have a behavior intervention plan (BIP) that these paraprofessionals can help implement when they are starting to feel agitated.

BIPs reward good behavior through a written improvement plan – they are not punishments for children whose behavior interferes with learning.

Behavior support paraprofessionals often form strong connections since they work closely with the student they are supporting. Because of this, they can help the student’s teacher understand what the student is trying to communicate through their misbehavior.

4. Physical assistant paraprofessional

Sometimes, when a child needs physical support, they get the help of a paraprofessional. This paraprofessional may assist the student with feeding, using the bathroom, and getting around campus.

Physical assistants might have the background necessary to provide medical support when needed as well. They are trained to identify seizures, allergic reactions, and more. Their presence on campus is essential for the health and safety of everyone!

5. And so many more!

There are just a few examples of the wide range of paraprofessionals and their job descriptions!

Paraprofessionals, regardless of what specific education field they work in, are often the unseen supporters of schools and classrooms. It is because of their unwavering dedication to their students that learning outcomes can be met and students can become successful.

The process, training, and certification to become a paraprofessional are different from becoming a certified teacher. The requirements also vary depending on the state and school district.

General requirements

Paraprofessionals, under the ESSA, must have a high school diploma, or its equivalent, and meet at least one of the following:

• Finish 2 years of study at a college or technical school
• Have at least an associate’s degree
• Be able to prove that you know and can assist in instruction related to reading, writing, and math.
  • You can prove this through a formal state or local academic assessment

Many school districts might also require some form of paraprofessional training. You will have to ask each individual district about this.

TeachStart: ParaProfessional pathway

Our program, TeachStart, gives you the opportunity to turn teaching into a stable career, regardless of whether you want to be a credentialed teacher or a full-time substitute.

From day one, you’ll:

• Earn an annual salary
• Get access to health, vision, and dental insurance
• Enjoy paid holidays and study days
• Receive paid training to improve your teaching skills

Join the TeachStart program to become a full-time substitute teacher, full-time paraprofessional, or work toward your teaching credentials. Apply now on our website or RSVP to one of our upcoming webinars to learn whether TeachStart is right for you.

Alt. route: Becoming a substitute teacher

If you meet these requirements, then you might be eligible to become a substitute teacher as well! The requirements for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals overlap and working part-time as a paraprofessional and a sub will increase the number of job assignments you receive.

The substitute requirements vary from state to state but working with Scoot Education makes becoming a sub easy! Check out our blogs on how to become a substitute teacher in California, Arizona, Colorado, New Jersey, Nevada, Florida, and Texas so you can work as a sub for paraprofessionals.

Sign up to sub with Scoot and you’ll be assigned your own consultant who can answer all the teaching questions you may have.

Why become a paraprofessional?

Just like any job in education, paraprofessionals must be incredibly empathetic when working with students. They need to know when a child needs space to be independent and when to step in to provide support.

While this job is not easy, it is extremely rewarding when you see the student you’ve been working with doing better and better in class.

1. Form close connections

If you love working with students, especially ones who need extra one-on-one support, then becoming a paraprofessional is right for you! This is a job where you create close bonds with the students you work with.

Every day spent with these students is a day where you can positively impact their lives for the better!

2. See if this career is right for you

Many paraprofessionals work part-time. If you want to work part-time as well, this is the perfect way you can enter the education field without much commitment.

You’ll be able to supervise students, expand your knowledge of education during professional development workshops and receive instructional support all the while.

Become a substitute with Scoot Education and take the first step into the education field! Scoot makes it easy to work at a variety of schools, all on your own time!

Become a Scoot sub

3. Pathway to a teaching career

If becoming a teacher is your end goal, then becoming a paraprofessional can be a great first step! As a paraprofessional, expand your educator skills while getting the experience you need to handle anything thrown your way.

You’ll learn vital classroom management skills and gain the necessary knowledge and resources to help you and your students thrive each school year.

If you have all the requirements to become a paraprofessional (high school diploma as well as 2 years of college, an associate degree, or a state or local assessment) then you’re on the right track to becoming a teacher!

Additionally, there are many programs, such as TeachStart, that can help you go from paraprofessional to teacher! These programs help prepare you to get your teaching credentials and succeed in the classroom!

TeachStart helps you become a fully credentialed K12 teacher without any costly fees! Join our community of motivated educators today.

Become a TeachStart Fellow

Impact lives today

Do you remember when a teacher or school staff member was especially kind to you? If so, then you know how vital it is for students to have support from the adults around them.

Each student matters when it comes to education. As a paraprofessional, you’ll have the opportunity to ensure that each student, regardless of the support they need, has the resources they need to succeed.

Congrats! It’s stellar you’re pursuing substitute teaching. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Diego, or the San Francisco Bay Area, the process of becoming a substitute teacher is simple. It requires some paperwork and testing to ensure you’re qualified, healthy, and capable of providing a safe environment for students.

As of 2023, here are the  steps you’ll need to complete before getting hired as a substitute teacher in multiple school districts in California.

1. Have a bachelor’s degree
2. Go to WellnessMart
3. Obtain a 30-day permit

At Scoot, we help substitute teachers find schools and schools find exceptional substitute teachers like you. With Scoot, you can always expect a flexible schedule and market-leading pay. Substitute teaching allows for a rewarding career or job without the hassle of extra schooling or restrictive schedules.

Want a PDF that summarizes the steps on how to sub in California?

Download the Scoot guide

How To Become A Substitute Teacher: Arizona | Texas | New Jersey | Colorado | Nevada | Florida | Washington D.C. | New Orleans

4 types of CA substitute teaching credentials

Before we dive into the steps, it’s helpful to know what kind of credentials you can pursue to become a substitute teacher in CA.

• Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit — the best choice for those getting into day-to-day substitute teaching
• Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers — for those currently studying to become credentialed teachers at a 4-year college
• Emergency Career Substitute Permit — for experienced subs with 3+ years of substitute teaching
• Emergency Designated Subjects Career Technical Education Permit for 30-Day Substitute Teaching Service – for those interested in substitute teaching in career technical education (CTE) classes

While the 30-day permit is the most popular option for prospective subs with no prior experience teaching, these are the other substitute permits you can get if you have experience or are still in school. This guide will explain how to apply for the 30-day permit.

Step 1:  Have a bachelor’s degree

To become a substitute teacher in California, your first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and provide official transcripts. For guidance on what makes transcripts “official,” visit the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.

Your bachelor’s degree can be in ANY major. It doesn’t need to be education-related.

Step 2: Go to WellnessMart

To become a substitute teacher, schools in CA require a negative tuberculosis test (TB test) and a Live Scan.

Scoot partners with WellnessMart, so if you’re applying to become a sub with us, you don’t need to pay any upfront cost! We fully pay for the TB test and Live Scan fingerprinting background check.

TUBERCULOSIS TEST

When working with an agency, the TB test is required to be dated within 60 days of your interview. You can take a TB test, but the easiest and fastest method it to complete a TB risk assessment questionnaire.

DOWNLOAD THE TB RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

Please fill out the TB Risk Assessment questionnaire. This will allow a physician to simply screen you without having to prick or inject you. They’ll ask you a series of questions and assess your risk factor.

LIVE SCAN

To check your criminal history is clear, you’ll take a Live Scan test which captures your fingerprints in a digitized format and then checks it against state police and FBI databases.

DOWNLOAD OUR LIVESCAN FORM

Click to download the pre-filled Request for Live Scan Service Form to ensure Scoot receives your Live Scan results! This is what you’ll take to the WellnessMart and send to Scoot.

FIND A LOCATION NOW

There are WellnessMarts all over California! You can schedule an appointment online or walk-in the same day to a location near you.

Step 3: Meet the basic skills requirement

*NEW: As of January 1, 2023, the basic skills proficiency requirement for an emergency 30-day substitute permit are waived until July 1, 2024. If you’ve applied after January 1, 2023, you don’t need to pass the CBEST to become a substitute teacher until after July 1, 2024.

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST®) is a basic aptitude test developed to meet requirements of laws relating to education credentialing and employment. You can think of it like the SAT, but for adults.

For more information, read our comprehensive article about the CBEST and CSET.

If you have any of the following, you can opt-out of the CBEST exam:

• Achieved a score of 3 or higher on the College Board AP English exam, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics exam.
• Achieved a score of at least 500 on the SAT Critical Reading exam and a score of at least 550 on the SAT Mathematics exam.
• Achieved a score of at least 22 on the ACT English exam and a score of at least 23 on the ACT mathematics exam.
• Demonstrate proficiency on both the English and Mathematics sections of the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP), showing status as “College Ready” or “Exempt” in each section.
• Achieved a passing score on the CSU Placement Examinations (English Placement Test and Entry Level Mathematics).
• Passed all three subtests of CSET: Multiple Subjects plus the CSET: Writing Skills.
• Provide transcripts of passing reading, writing, and mathematics courses with a grade of B or better in a Commission-approved preparation program at a regionally-accredited college or university (at least 3 semester units or 4 quarter units).
• Passed a basic skills examination from another state.

You can expect test results can take up to 2 weeks.

COST OF THE CBEST

The CBEST exam costs $30 for each section when taking through the computer and $41 when taking on paper. Scoot does not reimburse for CBEST testing.

WHERE TO TAKE THE CBEST

Test dates are held 6 times a year at various test centers across the state. You can easily find a testing center or choose to take the test remotely.

A few locations are below:

Step 4: Obtain a 30-day Permit to Become a Substitute Teacher​

What is the Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit?

The Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit lets you work as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom from pre-K to grades 1-12 to adult education schools. You can sub for any teacher for up to 30 days during the school year.

If you become a sub for a special education classroom, you can only serve up to 20 days before moving onto another classroom. The 30-day permit is valid for one year and is renewable.

COST OF 30 DAY PERMIT 

The permit costs $100 with a $2.65 service fee for online applications.

WHERE TO APPLY

To apply, review this form and submit the required applications and materials.

Need a paycheck sooner? Don’t worry, we’ll put you to work immediately!

As long as you have a Bachelor’s degree, we’ll be able to place you into a classroom without a CBEST or 30-Day Permit. While you wait to receive your “pass” results, feel confident that you’ll be considered for schools that do not require CBEST or 30-day permits for substitute teachers.

Ready to become a substitute teacher?

Becoming a substitute teacher in California is simple. Especially with an educational staffing company like Scoot Education. We want to support you throughout your application process and beyond.

Subbing with Scoot means access to more opportunities, more school districts, and more excitement!

Apply now

Types of Schools:

Independent schools are independent in philosophy. Each school is driven by a unique mission. You can expect smaller class sizes and a wide array of offerings within the academic, arts, and athletics departments. With smaller class sizes there is more individualized attention on the students and their needs.

Charter schools are funded by the government but operated independently of the state school system it is located within. Charter schools offer families a choice other than their local district public schools. Each charter school is different and has its own mission and demographic they intend to appeal to, however, they typically exist to cater to underserved communities. It’s important for educators teaching in charter schools to have strong cultural awareness and an understanding that statistics indicate that many of the students they will be working with may have experienced trauma in their lives – to be successful empathy is a key trait. Classroom sizes are generally 20-25 in lower elementary grades, increasing to 30 and on occasion up to 35 in middle and high school.

Private schools follow the same curriculum as decided by the government. However, the method of delivery is decided by the school board. The school administrators also decide the fees and admission. Private schools vary in size but almost all have smaller class sizes to enhance the focus on individual student needs and provide more one-to-one time with their teacher(s). Often, private schools are fortunate to be able to provide outstanding facilities and access to technology, etc.

Public schools are government-run schools regulated by federal, state, and local law. Class sizes can vary depending on the school but can be between 20-35 students depending on the grade level. Strong classroom management is a sought-after skill in order to be successful in providing all students with a positive learning experience within larger groups. Public schools are diverse and generally reflect the demographics of the neighborhood they are in. Teaching methods are quite traditional within public schools, with teaching and learning very structured.

Religiously – affiliated schools are a self–identified association of an institution with a religious denomination, church, or faith. You can expect smaller class sizes and you may be asked to follow the school’s religious curriculum as well as a particular dress code. It’s not normally a requirement to believe in the religion of the school in order to teach there as a substitute, however, it is an expectation to be respectful and supportive of the values and beliefs.

Cities that Scoot Subs currently work in: 

 Los Angeles: 

• Angeles Forest
• Antelope Valley
• Central L.A.
• Culver City / Mar Vista / Venice
• Downtown / Hollywood / West Hollywood
• Eastside
• Encino / Calabasas
• Glendale / Pasadena / La Canada
• Harbor
• Northeast L.A.
• Northwest County
• Orange County
• Pomona Valley
• San Fernando Valley
• San Gabriel Valley
• Santa Monica / Malibu
• Silver Lake / Echo Park / East L.A. / Los Feliz
• South Bay
• South L.A.
• Southeast
• The Valley – Studio City / Sherman Oaks
• Westside

Bay Area:

• East Bay / Oakland / Berkley
• Marin
• Peninsula
• San Francisco
• San Jose
• San Mateo

Apply for full-time teacher jobs

Apply for substitute teacher jobs

Scoot is still growing as a company and we are consistently partnering with new schools. We hope to provide value and opportunities to more communities in the future.