Which of the following descriptions best defines a paraprofessional?

• A. A Student Teacher
• B. A Person Who Works Under The Supervision Of A More Highly Educated Professional Who Supports Special Needs Students
• C. A School Administrator
• D. A Substitute Teacher

Answer: (B)

A paraprofessional is someone who provides instructional and other support to students under the supervision of a licensed, more highly qualified educator. In classrooms that include students with special needs, paraprofessionals help implement accommodations and modifications, assist with activities and routines, support behavior management, and help collect progress data under the teacher’s direction. They don’t plan or deliver instruction independently; their role is to support the licensed professional and the students’ learning.

That description matches the idea of working under supervision of a more highly educated professional who supports special needs students, which is why it’s the best choice. The other options describe roles that are not paraprofessional: a student teacher is someone in training to become a teacher, a school administrator is a school leader, and a substitute teacher is a temporary classroom teacher.