What is a paraprofessional? how much to sped teachers make?

Question

I just got accepted to a school to receive my master's in special ed. i have been seeing a lot of posting in this section regarding paraprofessionals. What do they do and how much do they make? also, how much do highly paid, certified special ed teachers make? is there a big demand for special ed teachers? Thanks:)

Answer 1

par·a·pro·fes·sion·al (pr-pr-fsh-nl)

n.

A trained worker who is not a member of a given profession but assists a professional.

adj.

Of or performing the work of a paraprofessional.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/parapro...

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=...

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as far as the q about special ed salaries, maybe one of the following links will help....hope so.

http://www.ask.com/web?q=salary+for+spec...

Answer 2

I know in the US that the special ed teachers make a lot, way more than general ed, and there is a large demand.  Parapros are teacher assistants that have an associates degree, so they don't make very much.

Answer 3

A "Para" is a person whom assists a teacher.  In special education and in our school district.  There are alot of 1 to 1 paras who are with a student for the whole day.  They are just assistants with no training.  They don't make any money, so they are typicaly unqualified to be with a special education student.

Answer 4

Special education teachers make the same as regular education teachers. They are in high demand because the job is monstrously hard and people do not stay in it very long. Some people have a special knack for it and if you are this kind of person I say go for it.

Paraprofessionals specialize in an area... like speech and work only with people who need speech therapy. Yes, they are under the direction of the special education teacher. Some have education like an Associates Degree others have only some college or just a high school diploma.

Answer 5

Most special ed teachers are in it for their heart, not the money.