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Associates of Applied Science Education -Education Assistant Specialty
Overview
The Education Assistant Specialty is designed to allow students to pursue a career as an educational assistant in regular, title I, and special education classrooms. Students who complete the AAS degree will be prepared to meet future training requirements for paraprofessionals under No Child Left Behind legislation. The education specialty also provides opportunity to explore careers in teaching.
It is recommended that students interested in Elementary Education complete the Associates of Arts Oregon Transfer degree, with approved electives in education. This degree is transferable to all Oregon State colleges and universities.
Job Titles
Paraprofessionals, Education Assistant
Occupation Description
Instruct children in grades k -12.
Specific Work Activities
- Assist in small group or individual pupil instruction
- Assist in maintaining discipline and other (non) instructional functions
- Assist with set up of classroom and prepares materials for specialized instructional units
- Maintain student records attendance, grades etc
- Maintain classroom including preparing bulletin boards
- Assist in development of lesson plans and grading of student work
- Operate standard school equipment such as laminators, copiers, audiovisual, computers, etc.
- Supervise/Assist students, parents, volunteers
- Participate in and supervise physical, musical, and any other activities that are a part of the basic education program
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, paraprofessionals may experience the following:
- Mostly work indoors, however, they spend some time outside with children for short periods almost every day.
- The noise level is usually loud at a standard acceptable level for these environments.
- The employee is continuously responsible for the safety, well-being and work output of students.
Physical demands
While performing the duties of this job, a paraprofessional is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. A paraprofessional is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. A paraprofessional must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and must be able to push items of 50lbs such as pushing children on a bike or moving/rearranging furniture.
Work Performance
A paraprofessional must be accurate and complete all details of the job. Errors or oversights may delay student learning. Paraprofessionals must be aware of frequently changing events, such as how children are behaving in the classroom and the basic health and safety of the children in the school.
Hours/Travel
May work early morning, day, or early evening hours. Most schools or centers operate 8 to 10 hours per day.
May work part time or full time.
Job offerings in the Klamath Basin
Major Local employers of EDU/ECE associates and certificate graduates were surveyed.
The results were as follows:
Local Employment Survey
| Employer | Position title | #'s employed | Yearly openings | Education requirements | Starting salary |
| Klamath Falls City School District | Paraprofessionals | 140 | 20-30 | 2 years in college or pass parapro test | $7.79 with steps for BA and or experience |
| Klamath County School District | Paraprofessionals | 175 | 25 | 2 years in college or pass parapro test | $8.27 with steps for previous experience |
| Headstart Headstart | Teacher < Associates | 23 43 | 5-6 | AAS with 18-24 ECE < AAS | $12-$16.00
$7.23 |
| OCDC | Teacher | 15-20 | 5-6 | AAS with 18-24 ECE | $12-$16.00 |
| | < Associates | 20-30 | | < AAS | $8.00-$9.00 |
Advancement
Paraprofessionals generally advance by being promoted to other positions of responsibility. Some become head teachers, case managers or office managers. Additional education is required to become an elementary or secondary teacher.
Major Employers
School Districts
Preschools
Day care facilities
Headstart/OCDC
Program Course Requirements for AA degree
Program Course Requirements for Certificate
AAOT - Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer
Scholarship Opportunities
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