The difference between substitute teacher and paraprofessional job duties.

Whether you are a substitute teacher or paraprofessional (paraeducator), you can enjoy rewarding work and a flexible schedule. Although they both provide the opportunity to work in schools with students, substitute teacher and paraprofessional job duties differ significantly. 

The biggest difference between the two roles is that substitute teachers lead the entire classroom in a teacher’s absence. Paraeducators work under the supervision of a teacher or substitute teacher to support students with special needs in the class. This can be done full-time or as a substitute. Here’s how they work together to support students. 

Paraprofessional job duties. 

Paraeducators often fall under the category of special education jobs. Many districts call them paraprofessionals or parapros. At Kelly Education, we prefer to call them paraeducators because (like paramedics or paralegals), the job title aligns with the training involved in the field where they work–education.   

In working in special education, these trained professionals support a student or students with special needs. Paraprofessional job duties are closely tied to following the guidance in the IEP for their students. The plan serves to support students in succeeding in school. IEPs and 504 plans are covered under different laws and support students in different ways. 

Understanding an IEP. 

IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. When a student has a disability and qualifies for specially designed supports and services, an educational team creates their IEP. It specifies goals for each student, and the supports and services that they require to achieve these goals. This plan is a legal document.  

School personnel are required to follow the instructions provided within the IEP. IEPs are part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and created for eligible students who attend public and charter schools from PreK -12. 

Paraeducators follow instructions and guidelines to support their students. This could be anywhere in the educational environment, including classrooms, the lunchroom, and on field trips. It’s important to note that most paraprofessional job duties and responsibilities are completed under the direct supervision of the lead teacher or district personnel. Again, paraeducators are not teachers. Their role is not to create a lesson plan, rather it’s to support a student to learn it. 

A few paraeducator duties and responsibilities may include: 

• Reading instructions to a student to help with comprehension. 

• Writing down what the student is trying to express. 

• Promoting safety, creating a sense of well-being and belonging. 

• Alleviating anxiety. 

• Helping a student move from one class to another. 

• Permanent paraeducators (not substitutes) assist with student hygiene and restroom needs. 

Substitute teachers job duties.

Substitute teachers deliver the curriculum left by the teacher or district to all students within the classroom. They are responsible for classroom management, including instruction delivery, behavior management, and student support. 

A substitute teacher can choose to substitute for a special education teacher. However, some school districts require the substitute teacher to have specific training in special education. 

Some specific substitute teaching duties and responsibilities include: 

• taking attendance 

• delivering the lesson plan left by regular teacher 

• classroom management 

• assigning and helping with homework 

 Long-term substitute teachers might also be required to develop lesson plans and communicate with parents as needed. Short-term or daily substitute teachers may be called in at the last minute, so they may want to bring some backup lesson plan ideas. 

Understanding 504 plans. 

Substitute teachers must also be familiar with any IEP or 504 plans of the students in their classroom. A 504 Plan is an individualized document created to ensure that students with disabilities that limit their daily activities in a measurable way are not discriminated against in the educational environment.  

The goal of a 504 plan is to remove barriers to learning by providing reasonable accommodations based on the student’s needs. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:  

• ramps to provide access to school buildings 

• modified class schedules to allow for mobility needs 

• medical plan to provide accurate and supportive responses to disability-based needs 

Can I work as a substitute teacher and substitute paraeducator? 

It’s not uncommon for substitute teachers to also secure substitute paraeducator jobs, and vice versa. Though many substitute teachers work as much as they’d like with a full schedule, there could be days when a substitute teaching job isn’t available. On days where this might happen, a qualified substitute teacher could choose to accept a substitute paraeducator job, assuming they’ve met the requirements and completed any necessary training. 

Conversely, substitute paraeducators who meet the substitute teaching requirements in their district or state can also secure substitute teaching jobs. Note that the pay rate can differ between paraeducators and substitute teachers. Paraeducators sometimes make a bit less per hour than substitute teachers in many school districts. 

Grow in your substitute educator job with Kelly Education. 

At Kelly Education, our team is committed to supporting you as a substitute teacher or paraeducator. We give you the tools to succeed on day one and as you grow in your role. We’ve got a library of articles and webinars that offer substitute teacher job advice so you can confidently lead your class. Here are just a few examples: substitute teaching tips for special education classes. substitute teacher dress codes, and how to introduce yourself to the class. 

Interested in joining our team? Fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you. They’ll answer your questions and share more about opportunities to become a sub teacher or paraeducator with one of our school district partners. 

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