Resource Industry: Schools

The Role of Paraprofessionals: A Vital Piece of the Classroom Puzzle

If you’ve seen someone working side-by-side with a student, offering a helping hand, a warm smile, or encouragement during a tough moment, that’s likely a paraprofessional. Also known as paraeducators, classroom aides, teacher assistants, or instructional assistants, these individuals are the behind-the-scenes educators. They may not always be in the spotlight, but their impact is felt every day.

If you’re curious about being a paraprofessional—or considering the role—find everything you need to know in this Soliant career guide.

What is a Paraprofessional?

Under a teacher’s supervision, paraprofessionals assist with classroom management and support students’ learning. They help ensure every child gets the support they need to succeed, especially those with special needs, learning differences, or behavioral challenges.

Whether it’s helping a student stay focused, leading classroom activities, or reinforcing learning material in small group settings, paraprofessionals are there to make the classroom a more enjoyable environment for everyone.

What Does a Paraprofessional Do?

Paraprofessionals do a little bit of everything. They’re incredibly versatile and play a key role in helping schools run smoothly. While the exact responsibilities can vary depending on the school, the students they support, and the classroom setting, here’s a look at some of their most common tasks:

• One-on-One Student Support: Work directly with students who need extra academic, behavioral, emotional, or physical support throughout the school day.
• Small Group Instruction: Lead or assist with small group lessons, especially in special education classrooms, to help reinforce lessons and give students individualized attention.
• Behavioral Support: Assist with redirection, positive reinforcement, and calming strategies throughout the day.
• Classroom Management: Help classrooms stay on track by setting up activities, prepping materials, or taking attendance.
• Accessibility and Physical Assistance: Support students with physical disabilities by assisting with mobility, feeding, or personal care needs.
• Collaborating with Teachers: Work hand-in-hand with teachers to support lesson plans, monitor student progress, and adjust strategies based on how students are responding.

Where Do Paraprofessionals Work?

Paraprofessionals can be found in all kinds of educational settings, from pre-school to high school, in general education classrooms and special education programs. No matter the setting, paraprofessionals are there to make sure students’ needs don’t fall through the cracks, all while helping teachers deliver the best possible instruction.

How Much Do Paraprofessionals Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, teacher assistant salaries can range anywhere from $23,710 to $48,140, with the median annual wage for teacher assistants sitting around $35,000.

Paraprofessional salaries can vary quite a bit depending on location and cost of living, area of specialty, such as general education or special education, grade levels, full-time or part-time work, and whether the role is part of a wider teaching degree program.

While not as high-paying as certified teachers, the paraprofessional role is a meaningful entry point into education, offering stability, purpose, and the opportunity to grow into higher-paying roles or pursue further certifications in special education.

Learn More About Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals are the ones helping a nervous student feel safe, celebrating tiny victories that others might miss, and showing up every day with heart and purpose. They build trust with students, lighten the load for teachers, and keep classrooms running with care and consistency.

If you’re looking for a meaningful job where you can truly make a difference in the lives of students, becoming a paraprofessional might be right for you.

At Soliant, we connect passionate professionals like you with schools across the country that need your support. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for your next opportunity, we’re here to help you take the next step in your career. Start by exploring openings for paraprofessionals here, or browse Soliant’s additional opportunities in education, including teachers, special education, and more!

When most people think of occupational therapy, they picture recovery from injury or rehabilitation in a hospital or clinic setting. But occupational therapists (OTs) also play a vital role in schools across the country, helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

But what exactly do occupational therapists do in a school setting? In this Soliant guide, learn about their impact on student success and why their role is so important in education.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do in Schools?

School-based occupational therapists work with students who struggle with the foundational skills needed for learning and participation in school activities. Whether a student needs long-term support or short-term skill-building, OTs support a wide range of students, including those with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• ADHD or other attention challenges
• Developmental delays
• Sensory processing disorders
• Learning disabilities
• Physical impairments
• Emotional or behavioral challenges

Some of the most common areas that school OTs address include:

• Fine Motor Skills: Help improve students’ ability to write, cut with scissors, use classroom tools, and perform other tasks requiring hand-eye coordination.
• Gross Motor Skills: Support movement-related activities like walking in line, navigating stairs, or participating in physical education classes.
• Sensory Processing: Help students who are overstimulated or under-stimulated regulate their attention, behavior, and engagement in class.
• Daily Living Skills: Teach students how to independently manage essential tasks like tying their shoes or zipping up a jacket.
• Executive Functioning: Help students better stay on task, stay organized, and follow instructions.

How Occupational Therapists Work in Schools

School-based OTs are part of a multidisciplinary team that may include teachers, special education staff, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and other school professionals. Their work typically falls into three main categories:

1. Direct Services: Work one-on-one or in small groups with students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. These sessions focus on specific goals tailored to the student’s unique needs.
2. Consultation and Collaboration: Collaborate with teachers and support staff to recommend strategies, tools, or classroom accommodations, such as pencil grips or visual schedules.
3. Environmental Adaptations: Assess environments, like a classroom setup, and recommend changes to support student accessibility and comfort, such as adjusting desk heights or creating calming spaces.

Make a Difference as a School-Based OT

Occupational therapy in schools is about helping students participate fully in their education, and school OTs create those inclusive learning environments where every student has the chance to thrive.

If you’re an occupational therapist with a passion for working with children and are looking for a rewarding opportunity in education, we can help you take the next step in your career.

Soliant connects talented OTs with school-based roles across the country, including flexible travel assignments for OTs and teletherapy occupational therapy roles.  Ready to make a difference? Explore school occupational therapist opportunities with Soliant today!

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned school counselor looking for a new opportunity, crafting a strong, clear, and personalized school counselor resume can help you stand out in a competitive field. In this Soliant guide, hiring experts reveal what to include in your school counselor resume and how to make it shine, including a sample school counselor resume to help you get started!

What to Include in Your School Counselor Resume

Before you start working on your school counselor resume, it’s important to know which sections to cover and how to highlight the skills that make you a strong candidate. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:

1. Contact Information: Start with the basics, including your full name, phone number, email address, location (City, State), and a LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio (optional).
2. Professional Summary: This is your elevator pitch! Sum up your experience, strengths, traits, and anything else you think makes you a great fit for the role in 2–3 sentences.
3. Licensure and Certifications: Clearly list your state licensure, any relevant credentials, and the date they were issued.
4. Education: Include your degrees, institutions, and graduation years (if recent).
5. Professional Experience: List your most recent roles first, including the job title, school/organization name, dates of employment, and 3–5 bullet points with specific responsibilities and accomplishments.
6. Skills: Highlight both soft and hard skills relevant to school counseling, ideally in a bullet point or list format.

Tips for a Standout School Counselor Resume

Want your resume to rise to the top of the pile? Here are a few extra tips to help you make a strong first impression:

• Tailor it to the Job: Use keywords from the job description and highlight experience that aligns with the specific role or school setting.
• Use Action Verbs: When highlighting your responsibilities in previous roles, start bullet points with strong action verbs, like “achieved,” “enhanced,” “resolved,” “pioneered,” and “collaborated.”
• Focus on Outcomes: Use numbers to quantify your responsibilities or results (e.g., “Reduced behavioral referrals by 20% through SEL programming”).
• Keep it Clean and Easy to Read: Stick to a simple format with clear section headers, bullet points, and consistent spacing.
• Highlight hard and soft skills: While it’s important to note technology or programs you’re familiar with, don’t forget to showcase soft skills, like your ability to connect with students, collaborate with staff, and manage caseloads.
• Proofread, then proofread again: Double-check your resume for grammar and spelling errors and consider asking a friend or mentor to give it a review.

Sample School Counselor Resume

Below is a simple, easy-to-customize school counselor resume template to help you get started:

Ready to Send Your School Counselor Resume?

Once you’re ready to take the next step in your career journey, Soliant is ready to help you find a role that matches your skills, goals, and passion for supporting students. Explore Soliant’s school counselor opportunities today, and get ready to land a job where you can make a real difference!

Educational Audiologist: Salary, Job Description, & Requirements

The role of an educational audiologist, also referred to as a school audiologist, is crucial in the development of students with hearing impairments. By providing specialized services and support, they help ensure that students with hearing loss can access and succeed in their education just as effectively as their peers.

In this career guide, you’ll learn about the educational audiologist job description, responsibilities, salary, requirements, and how this role differs from other roles, such as the teacher of the deaf.

What is an Educational Audiologist?

An educational audiologist specializes in providing audiological support within educational settings. They focus on identifying, diagnosing, and managing hearing impairments in children to help them access their education effectively.

Educational audiologists may work in schools, school districts, or clinics that serve educational institutions. They are trained to assess hearing, recommend hearing aids, and provide solutions that support classroom participation and social integration for students with hearing loss.

What Does an Educational Audiologist Do?

An educational audiologist is responsible for much more than hearing tests. Each day looks different for an educational audiologist, but their work generally involves a combination of diagnostic, clinical, and support-based activities in schools that directly benefit students with hearing impairments. They also work closely with educators, parents, and other professionals to create an environment where students can excel.

Educational Audiologist Job Description: Key Responsibilities

The role of an educational audiologist typically involves the following responsibilities:

• Conducting hearing assessments for students of all ages
• Identifying hearing impairments and providing diagnostic evaluations
• Recommending and fitting hearing aids or other assistive listening devices
• Monitoring the effectiveness of hearing devices and adjusting as needed
• Providing strategies for teachers to support students with hearing loss in the classroom
• Educating school staff and parents about hearing loss and its impact on learning
• Collaborating with teams to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with hearing impairments

Difference Between Educational Audiologist and Teacher of the Deaf

While both educational audiologists and teachers of the deaf work with students who have hearing impairments, their roles are distinct.

• Educational Audiologist: Focuses primarily on diagnosing and managing hearing loss. They assess hearing, fit and maintain hearing devices, and provide audiological support to ensure students can participate in the classroom. Audiologists collaborate with teachers and parents to create strategies for students’ success.
• Teacher of the Deaf: Specializes in providing direct educational instruction to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing work to teach students language skills, communication methods (such as sign language), and other academic subjects.

In short, educational audiologists provide technical and audiological support, while teachers of the deaf focus more on educational instruction and communication.

Explore School Audiologist Opportunities

If you are passionate about helping students with hearing impairments and making a difference in their educational experience, a career as an educational audiologist might be the right path for you. Start by exploring Soliant’s range of audiology positions that match your career aspirations today!

Looking for more information on audiology careers in education? Browse Soliant’s additional career resources to learn more about the rewarding role.

Becoming a School Counselor: Step-By-Step Career Guide

Are you passionate about helping students flourish, working in education, and supporting children in overcoming their academic, social, and emotional obstacles? A career as a school counselor could be the perfect fit for you.

School counselors play an essential role in supporting students’ well-being, helping them develop strategies to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom. However, becoming a school counselor requires a unique combination of character traits, education, training, and practical experience.

In this Soliant career guide, learn the steps to become a school counselor, including the educational requirements, salary expectations, and more!

What Do School Counselors Do?

School counselors support students in a variety of ways, focusing on academic, personal, and social development. They work with students to help them overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and plan for their future. The role of a school counselor often includes the following responsibilities:

• Academic Guidance: Assisting students with course selection, study habits, and academic goals.
• Emotional Support: Helping students cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
• Career Planning: Guiding students in identifying career interests, exploring college options, and preparing for the workforce.
• Conflict Resolution: Mediating disputes between students, offering conflict resolution strategies, and fostering a positive school environment.
• Crisis Management: Responding to students in crisis situations, including bullying, mental health concerns, or family issues.

How to Become a School Counselor

Becoming a school counselor is a rewarding and impactful career choice, but it requires dedication. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the path to becoming a school counselor:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step to becoming a school counselor is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. While there isn’t a specific undergraduate major required, a degree in psychology, education, social work, or a related field can provide a strong foundation.

Step 2: Complete a Master’s Degree in School Counseling

A master’s degree in school counseling is typically required to work as a school counselor. These programs provide specialized knowledge in counseling techniques, child development, and education systems. During your master’s program, you will also complete supervised internships to gain practical experience.

What degree do you need to be a school counselor?

To become a school counselor, you will need a Master’s Degree in School Counseling or a related field such as counseling or psychology. A master’s degree program in school counseling typically includes coursework in areas like developmental psychology, counseling techniques, career counseling, and ethics, as well as supervised clinical experience in schools. Some programs also offer specialized tracks in areas such as elementary school counseling or high school counseling.

Step 3: Obtain Licensure or Certification

Most states require school counselors to be licensed or certified. Requirements vary by state but generally include passing an exam and completing a certain number of supervised hours. Check with your state’s education department to understand the specific licensure requirements for school counselors in your area.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

While working toward your degree, you will complete internships that provide hands-on experience working with students. This experience is critical in helping you develop the skills needed to be an effective school counselor.

Step 5: Apply for School Counselor Positions

Once you have completed your education and obtained licensure, you can begin applying for school counselor positions!

How much does a school counselor make?

The salary of a school counselor varies, but on average, school counselors earn a competitive salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for school and career counselors and advisors was around $65,000 in 2024.

Salaries can range from approximately $50,000 to $75,000, depending on factors such as the level of education, years of experience, school level, whether the school is a private or public school, the specific school district, or the cost of living and demand for school counselors in the region.

Explore School Counselor Opportunities

Ready to take the next step in your school counseling career? Explore Soliant’s current school counselor job listings today to find the perfect position for your skills and aspirations.

Looking for more information about school counseling? Check out Soliant’s additional resources on counseling careers, including helpful guides, resume and interview tips, and more. Start your journey today!