Paraprofessionals

​Paraprofessionals in Minnesota Public Schools 

Non-licensed support staff including paraprofessionals have important, often essential, roles in schools. Paraprofessionals are also known as paraeducators, education assistants (EA), instructional assistants, instructional support staff or educational support persons (ESP).  


Below is information about training requirements, a voluntary paraprofessional credential, and the annual paraprofessional recognition week that applies to all paraprofessionals in Minnesota. There are also program-specific requirements in programs funded by ESEA Title dollars or through Special Education. Questions about these programmatic requirements and how to meet them should be directed to the applicable division.

MDE Special Education Paraprofessionals

MDE ESEA Title Program Paraprofessionals

Training Requirements

Within 60 days of starting work as a paraprofessional, school districts are required to provide the training required in Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.363, subdivision 3. School districts are required by Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.642 to provide at least eight hours of annual paid professional development to all paraprofessionals and other instructional support staff with at least six hours completed before the first instructional day or within 30 days of hiring. The professional development must relevant to work responsibilities and may include planning with the classroom teacher or the requirements of section 120B.363, subdivision 3. A school administrator must annually certify compliance with the requirement. Starting in SY25, school districts will be separately reimbursed for prior year compensation of the eight hours of paid professional development.

Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential

Paraprofessionals who have passed an assessment(s) approved by the Minnesota Department of Education (see below) may wish to complete the additional requirements to obtain the Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential administered by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The voluntary credential is not required to work as a paraprofessional.

Two state-approved assessments are available through most regional educational service cooperatives and some school districts:

  • The Paraeducator assessments require in Minnesota passing scores of 65% for the Instructional Support test and 70% for the Knowledge and Application test. 
  • The ParaPro assessment requires a combined Minnesota passing score of 460.

Paraprofessional Recognition Week

Recognition of paraprofessional contributions to student success is celebrated during the last full week of January. The Governor’s proclamation and certificate of commendation are posted each year as they become available from the Governor’s office.

January 22-27, 2024 is Paraprofessional Recognition Week! 

  • Paraprofessional Recognition Week certificate - 1/22/24
    Governor Walz's certificate of recognition for Paraprofessional Recognition Week, January 21-27, 2024
  •  - 1/17/24
    Commissioner Jett's memo to superintendents with suggestions for Paraprofessional Recognition Week, January 21-27, 2024
  •  - 1/17/24
    Governor Walz's proclamation of Paraprofessional Recognition Week, January 21-27, 2024