Across Pennsylvania, school districts are facing a growing shortage of paraprofessionals, and the impact is becoming increasingly visible in classrooms. From Philadelphia to Delaware County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Bucks County, and surrounding communities, administrators report the same concern: it has become harder to recruit, hire, and retain qualified paraprofessionals. However, this shortage did not appear overnight. It is the result of several overlapping factors that have shaped the education landscape over the past decade. Horizon Staffing Resources, which supports many Pennsylvania districts with paraprofessional staffing, has seen these challenges unfold firsthand. In this blog we’re going to discuss the key reasons why the Pennsylvania paraprofessional shortage has intensified in 2025.
Why Pennsylvania Is Facing a Paraprofessional Shortage in 2025
Rising Special Education Enrollment
One of the strongest contributors to the paraprofessional shortage is the steady rise in special education enrollment across Pennsylvania. More students now require individualized education plans (IEPs), one-on-one support, or assistance in emotional support and learning support classrooms. This is especially true in the School District of Philadelphia and in multiple Delaware County districts where special education needs have increased significantly. As these populations grow, so does the need for trained paraprofessionals. Unfortunately, the number of available candidates has not grown at the same rate, leaving many districts with unfilled support roles.
Greater Need for Behavioral and Emotional Support
Another driving force behind the shortage is the increased need for behavioral and emotional support within classrooms. Many schools report higher numbers of students who require behavior intervention, ABA support, trauma-informed strategies, or consistent adult guidance throughout the school day. Roles that involve behavioral support require individuals who are patient, calm, and able to manage stress effectively. While many talented professionals thrive in these positions, finding candidates who are both qualified and willing to take on these responsibilities remains a challenge for Pennsylvania districts.
Increased Competition for Qualified Candidates
In 2025, Pennsylvania schools face strong competition for paraprofessionals. Public school districts, charter schools, private programs, early education centers, and behavioral health organizations are all recruiting from the same limited pool of talent. This is particularly evident in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties where demand is highest. Many candidates are receiving multiple job offers and can choose positions based on location, schedule, or pay. Smaller districts in suburban or rural areas often face even greater difficulty competing with larger systems.
Clearance and Certification Delays
Pennsylvania requires several background clearances and qualification steps for paraprofessionals. These include the PA State Police Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI fingerprinting, as well as meeting paraprofessional qualifications outlined under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). While these steps are necessary, they can slow the hiring process and discourage potential candidates who are unfamiliar with the requirements. When applicants feel overwhelmed or uncertain about how to complete these steps, districts risk losing strong candidates before they make it into the classroom.
Limited Awareness of the Paraprofessional Career Path
Despite the importance of paraprofessionals in Pennsylvania schools, many potential candidates simply are not aware of the career opportunities available. Some are unfamiliar with what paraprofessionals do, what qualifications are required, or how meaningful and stable the work can be. Without strong pipelines promoting the profession, fewer people pursue paraprofessional roles, and the shortage grows year after year.
The Impact on Pennsylvania Schools
The shortage goes beyond unfilled job postings. It places additional strain on teachers, affects classroom management, and can disrupt support services for students who rely heavily on paraprofessionals. Schools in Philadelphia and high-need districts throughout Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester counties feel this pressure most intensely. Without adequate paraprofessional support, it becomes harder to maintain consistent instruction, individualized support, and safe learning environments.
How Horizon Staffing Resources Helps
Horizon Staffing Resources partners with Pennsylvania school districts to address paraprofessional shortages by providing qualified, reliable support staff throughout the school year. Districts choose to work with us because we maintain a steady pipeline of candidates, assist applicants with clearances and onboarding, and understand the unique staffing challenges faced by districts in the Philadelphia metro area and its surrounding counties. Our team supports both the district and the paraprofessional to ensure stability, continuity, and a strong working relationship on campus.
Moving Forward
The paraprofessional shortage in Pennsylvania is likely to continue without long-term changes such as greater public awareness and clearer career pathways. In the meantime, partnering with an experienced education staffing provider can help districts maintain consistent coverage and ensure students receive the support they need. Horizon Staffing Resources remains committed to helping Pennsylvania schools navigate these challenges and secure the qualified paraprofessionals needed for student success.
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