Welcome to the LPS Teacher's Aide or ParaProfessionals Webpage
The Lynn Public School District is proud to be an internet-based ParaProfessional testing site. Anyone interested in getting a certificate from the State as a ParaProfessional or Teacher's Aide can take the assessment test in a computer lab at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, commonly known as Lynn Tech. Residents of the North Shore and nearby towns are welcome to take the assessment test.
What is a ParaProfessional or Teacher's Aide?
A Teacher's Aide, or ParaProfessional, provides teaching and clerical support for classroom teachers.
In a typical work setting, a Teacher's Aide or ParaPro's general tasks are:
- High level of social interaction between students, teachers, and other staff
- Mostly work indoors in classrooms, but sometimes work outdoors in schoolyards and on field trips
- Must be accurate and be sure that the job is complete
- He or she is supervised by the teacher and Principal. Works based on the school year.
For a quick general overview of a Teacher's Aide, this video from MassHire and explore the option on the left menu to find information about task list, common work activities, skills and abilities needed, wages and more.
For specific ParaProfessional or Teacher's Aide Positions available in the Lynn Public School, please visit our job listings webpage.
What is the ParaProfessional Assessment Test (PPAT)?
The ParaPro Assessment is a general aptitude test that is required in many states for paraprofessional certification. The test also offers school districts an objective assessment of your foundation of knowledge and skills.
Hiring Requirements¹
- High School Diploma or GED AND pass one of the formal Massachusetts-endorsed Assessments for Paraprofessional Assessments: Parapro or WorkKeys
- Have obtained an associate (or higher) degree, OR
- Have at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 credit hours from an accredited higher education institution
Note: Title I paraprofessionals must also work under the direct supervision of a teacher.
One of the formal Massachusetts-endorsed ParaProfessional Assessments is ParaPro or WorkKeys. The Lynn Public School District is a testing site using ParaPro by ETS- Educational Testing Service, a private nonprofit educational testing and assessment organization.
The ParaProfessional Assessment Test (PPAT) measures the skills and knowledge in the subjects of reading, writing and mathematics; as well as the ability to apply these skills and knowledge to assist in classroom instruction.
To meet the hiring requirement in Massachusetts for public and charter schools, the candidate taking the test needs to score 464.
As mentioned before, the Lynn Public School District is a testing site for ETS, so we encourage you to visit ETS website for more information in the following subjects:
1. About the Test
2. Registration
3. Prepare for the Test
4. On Test Day
5. State Requirements
6. Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-related Needs
To learn more about the ParaProfessional Assessment Test, please click the tab on the left menu.
References:
¹ Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I Paraprofessionals Hiring Requirements
