Day in the Life: Paraprofessional/ Teaching Assistant in NYC 4/5/19

[@betzabethespin7203]

thanks for being a voice for paras. I doesn't pay much but I love working with middle school kids. It is very rewarding and never a dull moment. Anybody interested in being a para needs to like and get along with kids. Don't apply if you think that children are annoying, do yourself and everyone else a favor.

[@babyspark]

Sorry for the long reply. I couldn't agree more with you, pay isn't that great but it is so rewarding. How is it going for you this school year? I just got my assignment a few days ago.

[@notmyname9625]

For real. Ive seen this far too many times and it drives me crazy. Even worse when its a teacher tho.

[@notmyname9625]

Best job ever regardless tho… nothing i’d rather do

[@Acord718]

I couldn't get another job so I was a camp counselor for 7 years. I don't know why I did it but I hated it everyday. The coworkers , kids and parents. Just not for me.

[@germaniaalmonte8693]

Hello sam. I would like to become a sub professional in nyc how I need to be done before to apply?. I have the 3 certificate, but what else i need?. Thank you.

[@lilithlives]

I’m 3 weeks in as a paraprofessional and everyday I think of grabbing my keys and leaving…because of the teachers. I have never felt so unwelcome at a school and I taught overseas for 15 years. Thought I would contribute to my own country but not enjoying it at all.

[@princesaa__]

I’ll be working as a teacher’s aide starting tomorrow!! 🥰 Thank you for this video!

[@dyveonnereece785]

Aww....good luck! I am hoping to get back into this field very very soon.

[@dignamillan1889]

How did it go? Any tips?

[@kroggie6168]

How is it going for you? Any updates! Hope all is well

[@terysantos2810]

Thanks for showing a little of the classroom dynamics.

[@dariannisbett5939]

Paras are very beneficial to the classroom. I had a bad experience working as a para. I am now a classroom teacher and I love to appreciate my paras

[@erikaesquivel1724]

I just got a job as a paraprofessional at my old high school and the kids start on Wednesday! Super nervous but super excited!

[@babyspark]

that is AWESOME! I work with very little kids (4 year olds) so I can't even imagine high school. Good Luck to you!!

[@julietalex8694]

Erika Esquivel same! I’m supposed to start soon and I’m super nervous and excited

[@musicgirl999]

Samantha Park High school isn’t that bad to me. I’ve actually worked with all grades. Each of them have their pros and cons.

[@babyspark]

@@musicgirl999 so true, I'm sure I would like working with all the grades.

[@DyanShares]

Just started this job this week, I love it!!! Thanks for your video❤️

[@babyspark]

That is so awesome to hear! How's it going for you?

[@DyanShares]

@@babyspark I love it. We are doing virtual classes here in Maryland ;)

[@babyspark]

@@DyanShares very cool. What grade are u in this year?

[@kulsumadulon8578]

Thanks for makeing the video. I have a question? How much you get paid at the beginning?

[@babyspark]

Hey Kulsuma, starting salary for full time is about $25,000 in NYC. I make more now since I had a college degree and have since gotten 1 yr working experience.

[@barbiesocrazy]

I have an associate degree in education . Does that mean I still have to take the test?

[@rachelmerrie]

pink2122 No!

[@babyspark]

@@barbiesocrazy sorry, I don't know the answer to that but another commenter said no.

[@tanashabennett3415]

pink2122 no cuz got a degree

[@RadioScars]

I just did my paraeducador interview yesterday and I got hired!!! I'm super excited to start :)

[@bellablue479]

Congratulations !

[@RadioScars]

@@bellablue479 Thank you so much!!

[@gabisymonette145]

@@RadioScars what kind of questions did they ask?

[@RadioScars]

@@gabisymonette145 They asked me about how I would deescalate a situation if two kids were arguing! And they asked me about my past experience! And that is all :D I have been working for two weeks now! As a special Ed paraeducador and love it so far! Good luck to you!

[@gabisymonette145]

@@RadioScars thank you so much for that information!!! i’m glad you are enjoying it 😀

[@DragzFire]

My wife has been thinking about doing this for awhile...what are the steps to becoming one ? Just taking the para test to start ?

[@babyspark]

Basics are HS/Diploma, some online courses and a test, in NYC you also have to be nominated by a principle of a school, and the nomination period is not always open.

[@Toebroken]

@@babyspark Hi Samantha I was nominated for the sub para - so excited but nervous about the interview process. Do you recall what type of questions/essay was on the interview? I am state level 1 certified but need to get through this process.

[@babyspark]

@@Toebroken That is exciting news! The essay was very simple, I don't remember the exact question but it was along the lines of why do you want to become a para?. Dont sweat the interview, they want you to pass!

[@aislinnperalta8205]

Hey! I just found your video!I have an interview for a paraprofessional position tomorrow. I'm nervous, but excited do you have any advice during the interview? thank you! :)

[@babyspark]

Hi sorry was away on vacation! I am so excited for you and hope you did well. I was a sub para for about 2 years and was eventually offered a full time position within that same school.

[@aislinnperalta8205]

Samantha Park it’s okay! No worries And well I got the job! I’m so happy! 🧡

[@babyspark]

@@aislinnperalta8205 That is so great! Congrats! Did you start yet?

[@Rach113]

Are you on your feet a lot? Do you get to sit down at all? I’m really interested but have degenerative disc disease and can’t stand all day long.

[@ElouisePashion]

Hi I'm a paraeducator at a middle school. Yes you do get to sit down. Working with smaller kids I'm not sure if you would be able to sit down as much! Im not sure though. When I worked at the hs level I sat down most of the time while the teacher wasn't teaching. There was really no need to stand up unless I was getting materials or walking the kids somewhere.

[@ElouisePashion]

Sorry I meant while the teacher was teaching. My job is to help the students so most of the time I'm sitting down helping them with their work :)

[@babyspark]

Elouise is so right. I would recommend working with older students. You will be on your feet with Pre-K all day (I have worked in Pre-K for 4 years, 5th this year) and prob will be on feet with K-1st.

[@oanamesesan9771]

Thank you for making the video. I start in 1 week and I am very nervous. This will be my first time ever working in the school district.

[@babyspark]

That's great! I'm always a bit nervous at the beginning of the school year still after 4 years. Good luck to you!

[@oanamesesan9771]

@@babyspark thank youuu

[@babyspark]

@@oanamesesan9771 how'd your first week go? Hope it went well :)

[@oanamesesan9771]

@@babyspark aww thank you for asking. We had a hurricane scare here in Florida, all the schools were closed. I will start on Monday

[@kat_9672]

Oana M watching this for the same reason!! I start tomorrow. How was your first day?

[@maricruzmendez3340]

I’m a paraprofessional and work with Ese kids! Love it although sometimes it can be overwhelming.

[@babyspark]

You are an angel! Even though it can be a hard job I find it very rewarding.

[@julizzamaldonado4737]

I have an associates and I have a year of experience working in a nursery school how much do you think I would make as an assistant teacher? I live in nyc too

[@babyspark]

Hi Julizza, I believe you will start off at about $25,000. It's my understanding you need at least 1 yr of experience to get a higher pay grade.

[@julizzamaldonado4737]

Samantha Park I just got hired today as an assistant teacher and I’m getting paid $16 an hour but I get paid for holidays and time that I’m off

[@roseaddo6103]

U can check the pay scale on Uft website under benefits

[@babyspark]

@@julizzamaldonado4737 thats so awesome! it's really nice to get paid when we are off.

[@nikkis3682]

What level teachers assistant certificate do you need to work with pre-k

[@xan8185]

To get hired you will need your level 1 certificate. However, there's no such thing as a "PreK para" specifically. Some principals ask what you would like or prefer but paras don't choose what grades they work in. The principal can place you based off of needs of the school. Now if you work for strictly a PreK center then you know that's the age group you will work with.

[@shaniafindlay6167]

Hi lovely! Do you have any idea if full time paraprofessionals who have experience in day to day substitute teacher get any benefits in pay for having a bit more experience? I’d love to know. Thanks!

[@babyspark]

Hi Shania, I am not sure but I don't think you get paid any more because you were a teacher but don't quote me on that. I think you would get paid more because you have a college degree but that's after working as a para full time for a year.

[@mariavlogs29]

Hello, I'm strongly thinking of become one but I am in oklahoma and they get paid once a month here. Is it the same there? If so what is pay like? (Yes I know pay rate is different but curious)

[@babyspark]

Hey Maria, We get paid about every 2 weeks and there's different levels of pay depending on how much schooling you've done and other factors. When you become full time you start off with about $25,000/ year.

[@StrayKidttv]

I just got hired and I’m really nervous

[@babyspark]

Congrats on getting hired! Good luck to you even more so this year since it looks so different.

[@Master12020]

I will start my first day of being a parapro on tuesday. Your schools enviornment seems amazingly positive! I commute with my electric skateboard (onewheel) . Its a 10 min drive and 2 street lights away and the middle school kids think its cool :)

[@babyspark]

How'd your first couple of weeks go? I know mine was very frustrating even though this is my 6th year. I wish I could use a skateboard to go to work, sounds very fun and close.

[@monicac89]

Hi Samantha! :) I came across your video while searching for more information on student support paraprofessionals. There was a job opening for this position at a nearby school district and am interested, however i'm not entirely clear on the qualifications? I think this would be a great opportunity to get my "foot in the door" for a potential career in communicative disorders (either switching majors or receiving a minor in it). If you have any feedback for me I would really appreciate it! Thank you so much if you took the time to read this.

[@babyspark]

Hi Monica, I think if you are interested in working with children with communicative disorders in the future this would be a great first step. I don't have much experience with students with comm. disorders. For NYC the qualifications weren't much- you need a GED or high school diploma, take a few courses related to the field (online) and pass an exam. I would go in for the interview if you get called.

[@sandersabm]

@@babyspark hey do you mind sharing the website where the courses can be found? also are their any fees?

[@xinyuez.1781]

Hi Samantha, thanks for making this video! I am a career changer who wants to work in the education field, I want to start as a sub-para and noticed the window is opening now, I am wondering what kind of information (name, email, social?) I need to provide to a school principal for the nomination? How does a principal nominate me on the system if I don't have an application account? I am not sure about the process of nomination, would appreciate if you could help. Thank you!

[@babyspark]

Hi Xinyue, the principle would add you to an online system and then you complete the application. They need your name and email for sure.

[@xinyuez.1781]

@@babyspark Thank you Samantha, today is my second day work as a sub para!

[@blessing5966]

What is the pay range for being a paraprofessional? You mentioned the pay isn’t the best.

[@melbagarcia-ventura]

Depending at least in PA. It can be between 12-15 an hour.

[@user-uv7bk5rk2c]

Hello! Thank you for the video! I have an interview for a library clerk position but I want to know what should I mention in the interview that would increase my chances of getting hired? I really want this job:-) thank you

[@babyspark]

Hey lrg, I don't have much knowledge about being a library clerk but I think being organized and knowing about libraries would be good. Hope you got the job!

[@katrinau5377]

Hi I really liked your vedio. Would you please educate me more about becoming a paraprofessional. The steps and how to get in I have all qualifications for it. How to get nominated? And etc...

[@babyspark]

Hi Katrina, Please check out the website in my description box, that was so helpful to me when I first started looking up the requirements. Let me know if you need more help, Dm on youtube.

[@rupinderkaur9436]

Hello,How much score I need to pass the test .

[@tanashabennett3415]

Rupinder Kaur it’s depends on the state you live in

[@rupinderkaur9436]

I live in NewYork , I saw it is 220 marks need to pass , but it’s 220 overall or 220 from each section .please reply thanks

[@babyspark]

For NY its 220 overall. Good luck!!

[@valentinalife9356]

Hello!! I am in the process of getting certified to start as a Sub. How long does it take for you to get the contract and benefits? what time do you work? Thank you for this video.

[@babyspark]

Hi Valentina, As a sub you do NOT get any benefits. You only get benefits when you work full time. It stinks because you have to start off as a sub but once a school hires you for full time, you will start getting benefits.

[@tanashabennett3415]

Valentinalife you don’t get money or benefits for being a sub unless the school hires you full time like a para or teacher

[@valentinalife9356]

Samantha Park thank you ❤️

[@eclecticsoul91]

I just accepted a job offer as a paraeducator here in VA. Super nervous! I have worked in hospital settings since 2012 with various age groups. I will be working with high schoolers in this role. This video is super helpful. I hope all goes well. I start in August.

[@Money23181]

Is a substitute paraprofessional thst same as paraprofessional?

[@sabrinawilliams5788]

How does one become a paraprofessional? Thank you.

[@babyspark]

Hey Sabrina, I would def. check the link I put in my description but in a nutshell- you need to have at least a GED, take some online courses and pass an exam. Also for NYC, you have to apply when they are looking for substitute paras and it doesn't open that often.

[@djrn1621]

what are your hours? do you work the same hours as a regular teacher? I have had a passion for teaching since I was very very young. But recently I've come to understand that its going to be incredibly difficult to pursue my dreams of being a full time high school english teacher, while being a mother of 3/4+ children who wants to be very present in my children's lives, while at the same time being an aspiring novelist/poet/essayist. It is going to be a lot! I want to still work and have a career even if its not a full time one. What is your advice?

[@babyspark]

Hi Diana, during a regular school year my hours are usually 8a-3p Mon-Fri. I would say if you have the passion to become a teacher then you should be a teacher but I understand life and family are important as well. In NY there are fast track programs to becoming a teacher, should check those out. I love being a para and know it's the right fit for me. I wish you luck in your future endeavors!

[@lisadowd6149]

I have a part-time schedule. I work from 11:45-3:00 Mon thru Fri. I also have 3 kids so this schedule is perfect because I'm home to send my kids off to school and home to get them off the bus. It's not a high paying job but it is defiantely rewarding.

[@vanniecoco4259]

I don't know what im going to do but right now im applying as paraprofessional i dont have idea about paraprofessional but i give a shot and im willing to try...

[@babyspark]

good luck to you! I hope you like kids :)

[@princesaa__]

But it’s your house! And he parks in your parking spot?

[@hawaiianrussian1047]

Got a interview tomorrow, hopeful paraprofessional here in Hawaii thanks for the vid

[@babyspark]

Hi Grant, hope all went well with your interview. Good luck to you!

[@hawaiianrussian1047]

@@babyspark it did and thank you 😊

[@Ciciraerae]

I start my first day as a parapro tomorrow! Thanks for the video!

[@babyspark]

This was such great news! Hope all is going well with you.

[@mychellenjoku9728]

I work in middle school I have a 6 grader that I provide care for throughout the day

[@madileigh4736]

Most rewarding job ever

[@babyspark]

I feel the same way. You really see it at the end of the year, the children grow so much.

[@jessicabrady9527]

Please let me know how to become a para

[@babyspark]

Hi Jessica, are you in NYC? I'll try to help as best I can.

[@renegadosdecorazon5014]

Samantha Park yes please, can you help me too, i have my test schedule for this friday, but am a bit lost wats next or what else i need to do

[@babyspark]

@@renegadosdecorazon5014 Hi, message me on YT and I will help the best I can.

[@ranias5889]

Love this video. I would love to hear about how you got in to becoming a para professional? How did you know it is for you? How many places you had to apply too etc. I am interested in becoming a para professional. Have you ever been a para professional for primary k-3rd grades? If so, how did you like that age range?

[@babyspark]

Hey Rania, thanks for watchin. Can you direct message me, would love to help you get started.

[@shaunab2154]

Most school districts need substitutes for teaching assistants. Check with your local district and sign up. This is an excellent way to gain experience as well as give you exposure to many grade levels.

[@babyspark]

@@shaunab2154 so true, I started out as a sub. there are some basic requirements and in nyc, they only open up positions for subs for a few times a year on the nyc board of ed website. www.schools.nyc.gov/careers/other-jobs-in-schools/paraprofessionals-and-substitute-paraprofessionals

[@babyspark]

Hey Rania- I got into it by accident. My mom suggested it, I did all the necessary courses and tests and when the doe opened for sub paras I was accepted. I applied to several schools in Staten Island but got a job in Brooklyn. I have worked at the same elementary school for 5 years- have been very lucky in that way. I started out in 2nd grade but was asked to work in Prek (4 years old). I like elementary- I feel I wouldn't be a good fit with older kids. Also Prek is VERY demanding and not a lot of people want to work with that grade but I love it.

[@renegadosdecorazon5014]

Samantha Park can you help me and guide me please!

[@margaritaortiz2875]

Hi i am taking my test in a week and i would like to know how was your experience

[@babyspark]

Hi, don't know if you already took your test (I was away on vacation) but I hope you do/did really well! If you are talking about the Teaching Assistant Skills test (ATAS), it was a very straight forward test and you should do fine!

[@Elithia.m]

Very interesting video! There’s not many videos about teachers assistants. I just got hired as an associate teacher at a state preschool here in California. If you don’t mind me asking, how much do you make hourly? I’m also like you, my work is in a different city about 25 minutes away but I loooove being there. The staff is so friendly which is a huge thing for me because I used to work as a para and an after school program recreational leader and the staff was always so rude and lazy.

[@babyspark]

Hi mello, I get paid salary so about $40,000 (bc I have a BA and have worked as a Para for more than a year). Good luck to you this year. Isn't it so nice to actually like going into work.

[@PrincessA244]

I’m studying special education paraprofessional and I’m so excited!!!!!

[@babyspark]

Good luck! Let me know if you need any tips.

[@susanyoung4764]

ive been forced to have a para for most of my life i hate it lol i sometimes wished i didnt have the extra help but im forced to have help xd

[@gcknite5522]

Hey im a guy, i was wondering if this would be a good job for a guy like me?

[@rachelmerrie]

GC Knite what do you mean by a guy like you?

[@babyspark]

anyone can do this, you just have to like kids. It is a predominately female environment but my school has a handful of male paras.

[@jayysavage4680]

I do it it’s fun easy job just doesn’t pay a lot at all

[@ladiisosinful]

Happy I saw this video....I’m in the process of getting certified....so exciting and nerve racking

[@babyspark]

Good luck to you!

[@candicemariebeadco]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@babyspark]

No problem! Thanks for commenting.

[@ericstone53]

Great video! Thank you!

[@mychellenjoku9728]

I make $13.00 an hr in the state of Maryland

[@caixiali6618]

Thank you for this video, I enjoyed it. I love to work with children too, worked in a private preschool before Covid I'm interested in how to apply, will you please PM me. Thanks

[@jaymeees]

New subscriber here :) loved this video. I just got hired as instructional aide myself and I’m looking forward to it as well as w@tching more of your videos

[@AbundantLifeWith5]

great vlog im a sub ta in nyc and i love it i started vlogging love it check me out

[@babyspark]

So cool! Will def check your videos out.

[@sherriemartin3475]

You are equal you a human and school aides are very important to the school. This is not so nice of a video.

[@babyspark]

Yes, you are so right school aides are very important. I had put in my description did not mean to shade school aides so I apologize again. Love the work they do, couldn't do what we do without them.

[@jaketaylor1001]

Such a weird job. Sitting next to a child pestering them. Ave got a Ta and it’s really weird having one. Such a weird job. Sitting next to a child leave the poor child alone.

[@babyspark]

Sorry if your TA pesters you, they definitely should not do that. I'm here to assist the teacher and make the school experience easier for teacher and students.