also referred to as paraprofessionals or teacher assistants, these persons frequently are key individuals in successful inclusion programs.

Additional educational personnel hired to extend the services of a school's program. Paraeducators usually perform instructional, clerical, or student supervisory duties within a school or program. Other terms used to describe paraeducators include paraprofessionals, instructional aides, and classroom aides. .

School employees whose responsibilities are instructional or who deliver other services to students. Paraeducators work under the supervision of teachers or other professional personnel who have theultimate responsibility for educational programs.