Preparing Paraprofessionals for the ParaPro Assessment and State Certification

MSAA Professional Development Workshop for Paraprofessionals who would like to be certified by the DESE and Educators interested in becoming Paraprofessionals

Preparing Paraprofessionals for the ParaPro Assessment and State Certification   

This workshop will help paraprofessionals take the ParaPro Assessment that measures skills and knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to assist in classroom instruction. The state mandated paraprofessional assessment was developed with the assistance of a committee composed of paraprofessionals and teachers who work with paraprofessionals. A thorough job analysis was conducted to determine what knowledge and skills in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics are important for paraprofessionals. 

Participants in the workshop will review concepts in reading, writing and mathematics. Several different models of teaching and principles of learning will be accessed to help participants with the acquisition of the required knowledge and skills. We will collaboratively explore test content, practice questions, and learn test-taking tips in this workshop for paraprofessionals!  

Participants will: 

·        Learn how to register for the ParaPro Assessment, understand its length and format, and engage in preparation and practice

·         Compare the content topics in reading, writing, and mathematics

·         Learn tips for answering different types of questions on the ParaPro Assessment

·         Explore various ways to study for the assessment

·         Learn essential study materials to help pass the ParaPro Assessment

·         Understand ways to access online study materials for the test

When: Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Delivery Method: In-Person Workshop

Location: The MSAA Office, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA

Presenter: Thomas L. Brow, Jr., Seaside Educational Consultants

PD Hours: 6 in Content Area Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

Fees: Member $225 / Non-Member $300

MSAA Contact: Ethel Kawesa, ekawesa@msaa.net

Thomas L. Brow, Jr. | Seaside Educational Consultants

Tom Brow, an educational consultant, instructional coach, former teacher, high school social studies department head, and middle school principal for many years, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a master’s degree in Community Education and a C.A.G.S degree in Administration. Tom presented bi-monthly workshops at an annual pre-K-12 induction program for well over a decade and has coached teachers and administrators. He has earned numerous marks of recognition from the local Excellence in Education Award, Middlesex District Attorney’s Citizenship in Action Award, to co-runner up Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Award. His vast experience in middle school education both in classroom instruction and supervision, his love of skillful teaching and learning, and his enthusiasm is evident at all his workshops.