paraprofessional

[ par-uh-pruh-fesh-uh-nl ]

noun

1. a person trained to assist a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or other professional, but not licensed to practice in the profession.

adjective

1. of or relating to paraprofessionals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraprofessional¹

First recorded in 1965–70; para- ¹ + professional

Example Sentences

“Normal babies, when they are born, they cry, they open their eyes,” said Jean Jacques, an Orange County Schools paraprofessional and full-time student at the University of Central Florida.

From ProPublica

He had a full-time paraprofessional and speech-services at his school, and he was making friends with other kids for the first time.

From Washington Post

We may not fear that students will get sick, but I promise you, too many teachers, paraprofessionals, and others will.

From ProPublica

Many doctors and medical paraprofessionals advertise Botox treatments after taking a weekend course in injections.

From Popular-Science

Many are so emotionally troubled that, even with such small class sizes, each teacher is assigned a paraprofessional to help out in the room.

From ProPublica

Related Words

• apprentice
• attendant
• collaborator
• companion
• servant
• temp
• temporary worker