Education support personnel provide services that allow teachers and other education professionals to focus on the general academic, emotional and social needs of children. While these school employees are less directly involved in the educational process, they are an extremely vital part of the educational team.

Teachers, principals, and superintendents depend on education support personnel to handle a wide variety of non-academic responsibilities, such as secretarial assistance, building maintenance, food services, and bus transportation.

Employment growth for education support personnel varies according to specific career field. Job opportunities for behavior disorder paraprofessionals, for example, are expected to grow faster than most other jobs through 2008, while opportunities for secretaries are expected to remain about the same.

Education support personnel must have a genuine love for children, as well as patience, dependability, and a desire to serve the needs of others.

Those who provide education support must be knowledgeable in their area of responsibility and able to work with minimal instruction and supervision.

Skills are more important than formal education or training in most education support positions. A high school diploma is usually adequate for most positions, although applicants who have completed some formal training may have an advantage.

Experience with students in an education setting, or relevant job experience in another setting, is often required or helpful.

Some education support personnel work the entire year, while others work a traditional 10-month schedule, followed by a 2-month vacation in summer. Part-time work is common in some positions, while other positions require a 40-hour workweek.

Supporting the needs of administrators, teachers, students and sometimes parents can be very stimulating but also stressful at times. Many individuals who choose a career in education support find great satisfaction in their work and enjoy the opportunity to invest in the lives of children.