What should you do if you are asked to regularly file office paperwork and answer phones?

• A. This is not appropriate because paraprofessionals should not be assigned clerical duties regularly.
• B. You should talk to your supervisor about changing duties.
• C. This role will help you gain clerical experience.
• D. You can rotate to clerical tasks if needed.

Answer: (A)

Focus on your primary role of supporting students and instructional activities. Regularly filing paperwork and answering phones pulls you away from direct student support and collaboration with the teacher, which is not the typical expectation for a paraprofessional. Office clerical tasks are generally handled by office staff, not assigned as a regular duty for paraeducators. The appropriate approach is to recognize that these tasks aren’t appropriate as a constant part of the job and to speak with your supervisor to reallocate those responsibilities, keeping your role centered on instructional support. If needed, occasional administrative tasks can be addressed only when specifically directed, but they should not be a routine expectation.