I've decided to get my Master's in Education. I believe that the most popular state school here has their education students move directly into a Master's program. So I will probably do Para for another two years while I finish my Master's.
I do have a job interview tomorrow for a para position only 3 miles from the house. I'll probably get it since I am an Amazing paraeducator - I love my students. And I make sure they know that I believe in them. I've worked with students who are not struggling at all with academics but need help with social/emotional growth (example: strong anxiety and depression that needs a support system in place to learn coping mechanisms) to students who are non-verbal and using mobility aids (learning how to work a mechanized wheelchair and how to use technology to move towards independence in movement and communication). It is So rewarding! And I am, in no way, upset that I may have to wait a couple more years to move forward into teaching.
Besides - I think I'm going to get my Master's of Education in Earth Science. Two years of astronomy and geology and environmental science but no student teaching? Yes please!!