The process for becoming a paraprofessional in Texas public schools ensures support staff meet specific competency standards set at both the federal and state levels. This role assists certified teachers and contributes to the instructional environment for K-12 students. Navigating this path involves meeting academic benchmarks and completing mandatory screening procedures unique to Texas.
Understanding the Role of a Paraprofessional in Texas Schools
Paraprofessionals, often called Educational Aides by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), are local education agency employees who provide direct instructional assistance to students. Their primary function is to support the certified classroom teacher and create an environment conducive to learning. Duties can include one-on-one tutoring, managing classroom materials, and providing instructional support in labs or libraries.
Paraprofessionals work under the direct supervision of a certified educator. Federal legislation, specifically the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), mandates requirements for those providing instructional support and paid with Title I, Part A funds. ESSA requires these individuals to meet the “Highly Qualified” standards established under previous federal law, ensuring they possess a demonstrated level of competency in core academic subjects.
Meeting the Baseline Educational Requirements
The initial step toward working as a paraprofessional involves satisfying a basic educational prerequisite. All candidates must possess a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, which establishes the minimum general academic knowledge necessary for the role.
Individuals who have earned a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) meet this standard. This qualification is required before an applicant can pursue the additional academic or testing requirements necessary to meet state and federal standards for instructional support positions.
Achieving “Highly Qualified” Status in Texas
To be eligible for an instructional paraprofessional position, applicants must meet one of three specific criteria. Satisfying one benchmark achieves the status required by the Texas Education Agency for Title I instructional support roles. This standard remains in place even though the federal term “Highly Qualified” was formally repealed with the passage of ESSA.
Completing College Credit Hours
One method for meeting the academic requirement is completing a minimum of 48 semester hours of coursework at an accredited institution of higher education. These hours are generally considered the equivalent of two years of college study and serve as the typical benchmark for qualification.
This pathway shows a sustained commitment to higher education and a broad base of academic knowledge. The credits must be earned from an accredited college or university. Providing an official transcript to the hiring district is the standard way to verify this achievement.
Earning an Associate’s Degree or Higher
A second way to satisfy the qualification standard is by possessing an associate’s degree or a higher-level degree. Candidates who have earned an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or any bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited college or university automatically meet the necessary academic criteria.
Submitting an official copy of the degree or transcript showing the degree conferral is sufficient documentation. This option streamlines the qualification process, as the degree confirms the completion of a comprehensive program of study.
Passing an Approved Assessment
The third option involves demonstrating competency through an approved assessment. This assessment must confirm the applicant’s knowledge and ability to assist in instructing students in core academic subjects, including reading, writing, and mathematics.
The ETS ParaPro Assessment is one widely accepted national option, measuring skills in reading, writing, and math through a 90-question multiple-choice exam. Alternatively, many school districts or regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) in Texas offer a locally developed, state-approved academic assessment. Passing either the ParaPro or a local assessment satisfies the academic qualification requirement.
The District-Level Application and Hiring Process
Meeting the qualification standards is a prerequisite for employment, but it does not guarantee a position. Candidates must successfully navigate the district-level hiring process by applying directly to individual school districts or charter schools for open Educational Aide positions. Each district manages its own job postings and selection process.
A mandatory component of the hiring process for all Texas school employees is a national criminal background check. This fingerprint-based process is required by state law to ensure student safety. Applicants must submit their fingerprints through the Texas Department of Public Safety’s approved vendor, IdentoGO.
The school district initiates the fingerprinting process by uploading the applicant’s information into the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) managed by the TEA. This step is necessary before the candidate can schedule their appointment. The entire screening process must be completed before the individual can begin work with students.
Clarifying Certification Versus Qualification
A common source of confusion is the difference between “certification” and “qualification” in Texas. The state does not issue a specific Paraprofessional Certification like a teaching license. Instead, the process focuses on meeting the academic qualifications for the “Highly Qualified” standard.
The Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) issues an “Educational Aide” state certificate, which is required for instructional paraprofessionals. This credential must be obtained within one year of being hired by a school district. The Educational Aide certificate confirms the employee has met the state’s minimum standards for the role.