I work as a parapro in a school system after spending many years in the corporate world. I lost 10 days pay this year but did not lose my job because I work with the English as a Second Language Program and this program has some separate funding.
Our classes are smaller than the average but the main reason that a parapro is needed is the paperwork. The volume is incredible. Copies of everything go to 3 or 4 other places. There is no way a teacher could teach all day then complete the paperwork required. It is unbelieveable in this day of the computer.