Climbing a Ladder Into the Profession: A Statewide Quantitative Investigation of Paraeducator-to-Teacher Pathways

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 5:10 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Teacher Induction Roundtable 3 (Table 5)

Abstract

This study investigates the career trajectories of over 80,000 first-year paraeducators in Texas from 2014 to 2023, focusing on their transition into full-time teaching roles. Amid declining teacher preparation enrollments and staffing shortages, paraeducators represent a growing workforce, yet features of their career progression and induction remain underexplored. Utilizing statewide employment/certification data, we analyze entry rates into teaching and certification pathways pursued by paraeducators, highlighting variation by race, ethnicity, and gender. Our findings indicate a higher entry rate into teaching than previously reported, with implications for teacher induction policies and the potential of paraeducators to enhance workforce diversity. This research contributes valuable insights for educational leaders and policymakers aiming to address teacher shortages and foster inclusive recruitment practices.

Authors

• Wesley L. Edwards, University of North Texas

• Conra D. Gist, University of Houston