paraprofessional
noun
para·pro·fes·sion·al
ˌper-ə-prə-ˈfesh-nəl 
-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
Now, five graduates are employed this school year as paraprofessionals, laying the groundwork for more young people to become teacher aides, a shortage area, and get a foot in the door of the city’s sprawling school system.
—
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
Under the agreement, the Sheridan School District will re-recognize the union and add classified staff — such as custodians and paraprofessionals — to the bargaining unit.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
His wife spent 10 years as a paraprofessional at Liggett Trail Early Childhood Center, supporting children with developmental disabilities.
—Joseph Hernandez
march 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
Surprisingly, she was employed as a paraprofessional since October 2023 by the Special Education District of Lake County at Fairhaven School in Mundelein, which has students ranging from kindergarten to high school enrolled in language and social skills education.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paraprofessional
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Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
Under the agreement, the Sheridan School District will re-recognize the union and add classified staff — such as custodians and paraprofessionals — to the bargaining unit.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
His wife spent 10 years as a paraprofessional at Liggett Trail Early Childhood Center, supporting children with developmental disabilities.
—Joseph Hernandez
march 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
Surprisingly, she was employed as a paraprofessional since October 2023 by the Special Education District of Lake County at Fairhaven School in Mundelein, which has students ranging from kindergarten to high school enrolled in language and social skills education.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paraprofessional
Cite this Entry
“Paraprofessional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraprofessional. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
paraprofessional
noun
para·pro·fes·sion·al
ˌpar-ə-prə-ˈfesh-nəl
-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
: a trained aide who assists a professional person (as a doctor)
paraprofessional
adjective
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