How to Transition From a Paraprofessional to a Teacher

Teachers are the bedrock of any educational system, and individuals who feel called to teach can be among our most effective educators.

A 2025 study published in the International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance concluded that a strong calling can boost teachers’ motivation and resilience and support success throughout their careers.

Many paraprofessionals (also called paras or teacher aides) feel inspired by what they see in the classroom and aspire to transition from paraprofessional to teacher. Those considering online education degree programs to become teachers can benefit from exploring the requirements they must meet to move into teaching positions.

The Responsibilities of a Teacher

Paraprofessionals who want to become teachers should understand the role and its responsibilities. A teacher’s primary role is to instruct and oversee students. Their responsibilities include:

Creating an environment that’s conducive to learning

Following pedagogical strategies that meet students’ needs

Devising and delivering lesson plans

Assessing students’ educational progress and providing students with feedback

Preparing students to take standardized tests

Monitoring students’ behavior and enforcing rules

Communicating with students’ parents

Teachers can also be responsible for:

Mentoring students and serving as role models

Helping students develop their social skills and resilience

Collaborating with other teachers and community members

Participating in professional development to continue refining their expertise

The academic subjects teachers focus on can vary widely. For example, elementary school teachers can be responsible for teaching a variety of subjects, such as math, reading, and science. In contrast, middle school and high school teachers typically focus on teaching a single subject, such as English, math or history.

How to Make the Paraprofessional to Teacher Transition

Paraprofessionals who want to become teachers must meet certain education, training, and certification requirements.

1. Earn a Relevant Degree

Aspiring teachers generally need at least a bachelor’s degree, although specific requirements vary by state. Many prospective teachers earn a degree in education or elementary education. Those who want to teach middle school or high school may earn a degree in the subject area they wish to teach, such as English or history.

A paraprofessional can also enroll in a specialized paraprofessional-to-teacher program designed around their existing classroom experience and work schedule. Depending on the program, students may be able to continue working while earning their degree, receive college credit for their work as a paraprofessional, and complete required fieldwork or student teaching while remaining employed.

Paraprofessionals who already have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated discipline can also earn a graduate degree that prepares them for teaching roles, such as a Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching.

2. Satisfy State Teacher Preparation Requirements

Teacher preparation requirements vary by state and certification pathway. Teacher preparation is usually woven into education degree programs; however, people whose degrees are not in education may need to complete separate teacher preparation programs to gain the knowledge and skills they need to become successful educators.

Teacher preparation programs give aspiring teachers the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to manage a classroom. Program participants also learn evidence-based teaching methods and instructional strategies that work in diverse and inclusive teaching environments.

3. Meet Student Teaching Requirements

Each state also specifies student teaching requirements. Paraprofessionals who aspire to become teachers can complete student teaching either as a component of their degree program or separately through a teacher preparation program.

Student teaching offers individuals the chance to apply what they’ve learned in real-world classrooms while under the supervision of a certified teacher. This experience is also a great way for aspiring teachers to receive feedback on their performance and to refine essential teaching skills, such as skills in:

Communicating

Thinking creatively

Adapting lesson plans to align with students’ needs

Resolving conflicts

Managing a classroom

Creating an effective learning environment

Planning lessons

Remaining organized

4. Obtain a State Teaching Certificate

Requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate vary across states, so paraprofessionals moving into teaching roles should become familiar with the requirements in the states where they want to teach. For example, to become a teacher in Missouri, an individual needs to pass the applicable Praxis exam, submit an application for an initial professional certificate (IPC) to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and pass a background check.

Teacher Salary and Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual salaries as of 2025 were as follows:

$63,820 for kindergarten and elementary school teachers

$64,370 for middle school teachers

$72,040 for high school teachers

The BLS projects a substantial number of job openings for teachers between 2025 and 2035, primarily due to existing teachers retiring or leaving the profession. Specifically, the BLS projects an average of:

99,400 job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers each year

38,800 job openings for middle school teachers each year

63,500 job openings for high school teachers each year

Take the Next Step From Paraprofessional to Teacher

Building the knowledge and skills to transition from paraprofessional to teacher is a great way to advance in an education career and move into a rewarding role that makes a difference in students’ lives. If you’re a paraprofessional who wants to become a teacher, explore Southeast Missouri State University’s online and in-person education degree programs to learn how they can help you achieve your career goals.

SEMO Online programs highlight flexible degree pathways for busy learners. The online MA in Teaching with Middle or Secondary Teaching Certification program is designed to help paraprofessionals and career changers become skilled educators, ready to make a difference in the classroom. The online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program allows aspiring teachers to meet their current work and life commitments while taking remote courses and completing field experiences in their own communities.

In addition, SEMO Online partners with numerous Missouri school districts to offer a 20 percent tuition discount to current district employees. [Text Wrapping Break]SEMO also offers an on-campus paraprofessional-to-teacher program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Exceptional Child Education while continuing to work as paraprofessionals, including during student teaching. Students can receive college credit for their work as paraprofessionals and benefit from flexible class schedules.

Start your journey toward a meaningful role in education today.

Recommended Readings

Types of Education Master’s Degrees

Types of Teaching Certifications

What Are the Opportunities for Advancement for a Teacher?

Sources:

Achievable, “Teacher Preparation Explained: What You Need to Know”

Craft, “Para-to-Teacher Pathway Design Guide”

Indeed, “Student Teacher: Definition, Skills and Responsibilities”

International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, “How Does Career Calling Impact Teachers’ Self-Efficacy, Competencies and Satisfaction? A Structural Equation Model”

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Certification

National Science Teaching Association, Classroom Teacher Overview