This study examined the career paths, work
environments, educational experiences, family
background, career plans, career, academic, and
teacher, efficacy, as well as, demographic
characteristics of paraeducators who became teachers
and current paraeducators to explore whether self-
efficacy plays a role in paraeducators career
decisions. Paraeducators in this study who became
teachers described work environments that provided
mastery teaching experiences, were social role
models, and verbal encouragement to advance their
careers. Paraeducators who planned to remain in the...