Paraeducator Careers

Eligibility information for getting hired as a paraeducator

The following are minimum requirements* for eligibility: 

K-12 Special Education Instructional Aide or Substitute:

  • High school diploma or equivalent AND passed District Instructional Aide Exam; OR
  • High school diploma or equivalent AND passed CBEST; OR
  • High school diploma or equivalent AND 48 college units (official transcripts required); OR
  • Associate's degree or higher

Child Development Program Instructional Aide or Substitute: 

  • High school diploma or equivalent AND completion of 6 semester units of Early Childhood Education 

Security Aide:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

Noon Monitor: 

  • At least 18 years old

    *Roles not listed above will have position-specific minimum requirements.

    SFUSD supports paraeducators in becoming credentialed teachers!

    Join the Para-To-Teacher Program (PTTP) and build a career towards teaching in one the high need areas of the district: Special Education, Secondary Mathematics, Science, and Bilingual Education.

    Who is eligible to participate?

    • Current SFUSD paraeducator/classified staff working with PreK-12 students; if not currently employed in SFUSD, participant must apply for a classified SFUSD paraprofessional educator role.
    • Credential goal must be in teaching in a hard to staff area: Special Education, Math, Science or Bilingual Education.
    • Must have 60 transferable units from an accredited college and/or junior level in college.
    • Must commit to working in SFUSD for four years after receiving preliminary credential

    What are the program elements for the candidates?

    • Advisement and counseling about enrolling in local universities, financial aid and career goals  
    • Reimbursement of some college tuition, textbooks, fees and supplies
    • Support to pass CBEST, CSET and RICA tests
    • Participation in a cohort of like minded and similar career stage aspiring teachers
    • Access to veteran teachers and high-quality teacher preparation professional development

    Visit the Para-to-Teaching Page for more information on program components.

    This page was last updated on September 24, 2023