Paraprofessionals may work in a variety of positions in a school district including, but not limited to, instructional assistants, Title I paraprofessionals, pupil support assistants, special education paraprofessionals, job coaches, lunch room and playground assistants, hall monitors, and media center assistants.

Many teacher assistants work primarily or exclusively with students who have special educational needs. Their duties vary according to the needs of the student from physical assistance and care to behavioral management and academic assistance.

In Minnesota, paraprofessionals must meet specific locally developed requirements depending on the role and duties they are assigned. When hiring paraprofessionals, all school districts are required to meet the requirements of Minnesota Statutes section 120B.363 .