paraprofessional

noun

para·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌper-ə--prə-ˈfesh-nəl How to pronounce paraprofessional (audio)
-ˈfe-shə-nᵊl,
ˌpa-rə-
: a trained aide who assists a professional person (such as a teacher or doctor)
paraprofessional adjective

Examples of paraprofessional in a Sentence

There is at least one paraprofessional in each classroom.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Friction point: Districts and unions are also at odds over how much to pay paraprofessionals, aides who help manage classrooms, work with students with disabilities and provide one-on-one support. Mike Deehan, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024 Boston teachers and paraprofessionals will report to work days ahead of kids on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 27 Aug. 2024 Nearly 85% of paraprofessionals in Massachusetts made $30,000 or less last year, way below what teachers earn, according to the Globe. Between the lines: The unions' show of force isn't localized to just the three striking towns. Mike Deehan, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024 Her school is planning to launch an apprenticeship program to give easier and more cost-effective training to high schoolers interested in teaching special education and paraprofessionals working in classrooms. Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paraprofessional 

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paraprofessional was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near paraprofessional

Cite this Entry

“Paraprofessional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraprofessional. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

paraprofessional

noun
para·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al ˌpar-ə-prə-ˈfesh-nəl How to pronounce paraprofessional (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
: a person trained to assist a professional person (as a teacher or doctor)
paraprofessional adjective

Medical Definition

paraprofessional

noun
para·​pro·​fes·​sion·​al -prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ən-ᵊl How to pronounce paraprofessional (audio)
: a trained aide who assists a professional person (as a doctor)
paraprofessional adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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