5 Advancement Opportunities for Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals play an essential role in helping schools run smoothly. From supporting students with special needs to assisting teachers with instruction and classroom management, paras are the backbone of everyday learning. And because the work of a paraprofessional is so hands-on, you’re uniquely positioned to grow—whether you want to advance in your current role or pursue a new path in education.
If you’re wondering what your next step could look like, here are some of the top upskilling and advancement opportunities available for paraprofessionals today.
5 Ways to Advance Your Career as a Paraprofessional
1. Earn Additional Paraprofessional Certifications
Acquiring additional certifications can allow you to move into more specialized roles, lead to higher pay, offer classroom responsibility, and provide the opportunity to support students with complex needs. Examples include:
- Special education paraprofessional certifications
- Behavioral intervention training (PBIS, CPI, ABA foundations)
- Reading or math interventionist training
2. Explore Professional Development in Behavior Support
Students’ behavioral and social-emotional needs continue to grow, and paras with behavioral expertise are in high demand. Training in areas such as Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), crisis prevention and de-escalation, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) basics can open doors to roles supporting school psychologists, behavior specialists, or programs serving students with autism or emotional/behavioral disorders.
3. Become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
For paras interested in long-term career growth in behavioral or developmental support, this is a potential next step. Earning your RBT credential is one of the most accessible ways for paraprofessionals to advance quickly, allowing you to work one-on-one with students receiving ABA services and can boost your earning potential. Many school districts also reimburse or fully fund RBT training, so it’s important to check with your employer!
4. Pursue an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Education
If you love classroom support and want to transition into teaching, becoming a certified educator is one of the most common advancement paths. Some states even offer paraprofessional-to-teacher pathways with tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, or mentorship built in.
Paraprofessionals often pursue:
- Associate degrees in education (for faster entry into certain roles)
- Bachelor’s degrees for teacher licensure
- Alternative certification programs
In addition, if additional schooling or certification is possible, careers as a special education teacher, speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA), occupational therapy assistant (OTA), or behavioral interventionist also offer long-term career stability and meaningful student impact.
5. Courses, Workshops, and Training Opportunities
Online courses, professional development sessions or workshops, and training opportunities can help you upskill and advance your career without major time or financial commitments. Some training opportunities you can look for include:
- Assistive technology
- Classroom management
- Trauma-informed support
- Inclusive practices
- Early childhood development
- Literacy or math foundations
- SEL support
- Equity and inclusion in the classroom
- Data collection for IEP teams
- Collaboration and co-teaching
Find the Right School Job to Support Your Growth
No matter where you are in your paraprofessional journey, investing in your professional development can open new doors. At Soliant, we connect paraprofessionals with school jobs across the country that align with their strengths, interests, and long-term goals.
Whether you’re looking for a role that offers mentorship, advancement potential, or hands-on experience in a specialty area, our team is here to help you take the next step. Explore paraprofessional opportunities and find a position that helps you grow!5 Advancement Opportunities for Paraprofessionals
