Supporting Paraprofessionals in a Special Education Classroom
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
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My sweet sweet paras are the best! In this video I break down my room and show how I create a space for my para's. The goal is to keep it organized and make my expectations clear!
Tips for Supporting Paraprofessionals:
-Clear expectations
-Share Trainings information
-Do not get intimidated
-Show your gratitude
~Hang Out With Me! ~
++For Business Inquiries: Braelan Martin at thatspecialeducator@gmail.com
++Instagram: / thatspecialeducator
++Website: braelanmartin.com
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#specialeducation #paraprofessionals
Teaching Is the right term. I had one principal that treated the paraprofessional like Santa's little helpers and I had one principal that called the paraprofessional TEACHERS. Paraprofessional do the same thing teachers do they just don't get paid to do paperwork. I feel some educators don't see that paraprofessional are the backbone of the school.
Spot on. We have a new teacher who loves to pile things on my already full schedule. I think she feels that paraprofessionals equals para-her-personal assistant. She knows my schedule is full but she just keeps assigning more.
Nah it's not the same _(I've subbed as a para)_ but *no one* should be treated like crap. As a specials teacher, I didn't have a dedicated para for my class. Any that worked with me in my classroom were supporting our sub-separate/ self-contained students. So we were collaborators & I treated them as such.
"Paraprofessional" is the union-backed term, whereas "teacher assistant" typically means they aren't represented by a labor union.
I just started today as a special ed assistant and I really appreciate your videos! I was put into the classroom with no training and minimal input from the teacher, so I hope to communicate expectations and more with them moving forward.
How do you like it so far??I also just started.andd I wasn't expecting they will put me in classroom without training:( they are super busy( the teatchers) but it would help everyone if we get training. And clear schedule!
@@imaneimane9132 Hi! Sorry for the late reply, but I did want to share my experience even though it didn't turn out how I hoped. So I actually did end up leaving that job (I know, so quickly) for many reasons. They included how I was being asked to do the job of a behaviorist (different role and pay!), how I had to work with a child with extreme behaviors (including violent ones) even though it was my first time in that position, and how overall I felt a big lack of support in that environment. Yet, in that short amount of time I learned a lot about myself and what I require from a special ed work environment. I would love to hear about your experience with your job, if you'd like to share!
@@phantomphiddler5 Hi, thanks for your reply..same for me i did not even finished two weeks ...
I was expecting that I'm going to have some kind of training, but No..they put me straight inside the classrooms with a variety of special needs kids who needs a lot of behavioral support, and there was lack of communication between( teatchers, SEA,and the special needs teacher)... a BIG messed up in my schedule !!!!!!so..i decided to look for something else !!
@@imaneimane9132 The lack of communication is definitely a big problem, I also barely had any input from the special ed teacher who was supposedly in charge of me! I wish you the best in finding a better opportunity! I myself will keep looking too :)
What is the kids call you ? Like Ms. MRS .... OR WHAT
Love this! I'm a resource room teacher in Idaho, and my paraprofessional is literally the glue that holds my class together. 💜💜💜
So awesome! literally they are glue!
As a para, I wish the teachers I have worked "with " were as considerate as you are. Mine didn't even give me a place to put my things.
Thank you for recognizing the Paras! I am a 1:1 Para in the elementary setting. It was difficult transitioning into the Special Education setting, but after a few months I can say that I've fallen in love with my job, despite the occasional hard days!
Yay!
“...the kids are sucking the life outta you”. Oh my yes, sometimes. Thank you for recognizing us. #teamwork
Thanks for supporting the paraprofessionals and clarifying their roles. The teacher with whom I work is very much like you in that she respects our opinions and ideas. this makes it much easier to love what we do.
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Thank you so much for this content! It gives me hope that there are teachers out there that really care about creating a positive work environment for paras. All of the ideas and methods that you are using are exactly what I want but often don’t receive such as having the daily plans and expectations made clear. Having the bins for the para is thoughtful and a great way to keep us organized The attitude of communicating clearly is the key towards making the para /Teacher dynamic go smoothly. Things that don’t help are making the para feel excluded, withholding or gate keeping information needed to do the job. Giving a new para a student who has severe behaviors without preparing them with what to do if their is a severe behavior meltdown and how to manage it is irresponsible and a lose/lose for everyone.
This is on point! As a 1:1 para, knowing the clear expectations of my teacher are key! My current teacher (who is about your age Braelin - old enough to be her mom) is super encouraging with her feedback and suggestions and always asks me what I’m needing in terms or more resources or asks if I have any suggestions- having a truly collaborative relationship makes all the difference.
I really like I'm a paraprofessional, and have seen the things your talking about. I would yes, telling us your expectations for sure is very helpful, also being able to trust us, or building us up so you can trust us to make good decisions in different situations. I think this tip is very important when it comes to being a team. Another tip is allow us to take a min. if we feeling overwhelmed, so we can continue to bring positivity in the class. I love being a paraprofessional, but when the environment is stressful it's hard to want to continue to come and be happy!! So I would to make sure your class's vibes are good, I know this isn't always something that can achieved but it would be helpful.
Hey there, I’m currently an ESE paraprofessional at a high school while I’m working on my bachelors. I love the job, but agree that the kids can burn you out sometimes. I feel that in our department we are spread thin, and it’s always changing and so many tasks and new assignments are winged on a daily basis. We have a really strong team and it’s mainly due to how much we communicate, our love for the kids and that we genuinely care about each other.
I really like how well organized and communicative you are with your paras. It might be because you are in the same class with the same paras all day, but for me I find that I end up asking the ESE teachers what the lessons are, or how to handle certain students first. But once we are on the same page we usually become a good team. Unfortunately, most of the gen ed teachers aren’t very involved with us and we end up figuring out how to work with the kids and help them with their assignments (and usually learn it our selves) on our own.
I love this video. I am a current paraprofessional right now in Texas and what was not helpful to me was feeling intimidated and feeling like I should already know things even though I have the background of special Education but I was coming into a new district around new people and I didn’t know their expectations. And disorganization was not helpful. What was helpful is your tips of organization and being appreciate it and being shown in the classroom day by day of what you do
Also I am prepared to become a teacher
Good luck!
I really hate when teachers treat paras as if they are beneath them as if they don't know what they're doing or as if they are not educated. Some of us may have the same amount of education and may have more experience than teacher.
A para might have more years experience than the teacher of record but that doesn't change the fact that they do not have a credential. And, they do not do all of the same things that a teacher does. Teachers are not just doing paperwork. That is insulting
I’m applying to be a para and I definitely hope they treat me with respect but I 100% am below them all of the responsibilities fall on them and I’m just there to help and support the teacher and the children
@@Travelbug71 no one said teachers only do paperwork. I'm not sure where you got that from??? My comment does not apply to ALL teachers. I don't know why you feel insulted??? A credential doesn't make you a teacher, and not having a credential doesn't prove you're not a teacher. Teaching is something that's inside of you. You can futher your education to improve on those skills but it has to be in your heart first. I know several certified teachers that should find something else to do besides teaching.....
@@tikab7051 You can think you're below the teacher if you choose to, but you are just as responsible for what goes on in the classroom as the teacher. I hope you don't have to learn that the hard way... im just saying. Please don't go into this field with the mindset of " im just a para". You are another RESPONSIBLE adult educating children! I see you as more than just a "para".
Great video! I just recently started working as a paraprofessional in a self contained classroom and I love it! Still trying to figure out my place in the classroom though.
Thanks! It is hard as a para to find your place! Think of the things you excel at and how you can incorporate that into your classroom! It is going to be so much fun!
New subscriber and supporter. I've taught Special Education for 15 years and have seen the need for paraprofessionals grow more and more over the years. Thanks for sharing this video :)
I have been a parapro (mostly 1:1 medical in both a special educ. setting and general ed) for 18 years. The way you view and prepare your assistants is stellar! Although I have worked with some fantastic teachers, I have NEVER been as directed and prepared as you have been with your paras, not even close! I will be EI endorsed at the end of the year (2024) and absolutely plan to use your suggestions and setup. Thank you for sharing your process!!!!
No shade. My mother has been a sped aid/paraprof. For 20 years. She has done miracles for students. She just has a gift. No one can explain it. There are people living a life that is so more “open”, amazing, that even people who shouldn’t have doubted them, thought they couldn’t.
Love your videos. Becoming a para myself lol
JUST CAME ACROSS YOUR VLOG. GREAT ADVICE MY DAUGHTER GOING TO START HER FIRST PARA THIS YEAR. SHE WAS IN HEAD START. GREAT ADVICE AS AND A TEACHER. HAVE A BLESSED SCHOOL YEAR.
I would’ve loved to work with a teacher like you! I am a paraeducator and the teacher I worked with was never clear about anything, it was so stressful!
I just started as special education aid!and I can't believe how some teatchers dont adress to you. And they act like they dont need you around ???!!!!
It's so stressful...
I truly understand my co-teacher never was and the classroom.
WOW! You are
awesome!! I would love to work in your class room! I wish our teachers could view this video.
I wish! Thanks so much!!
My Intermediate Unit here in PA requires their teachers to post a schedule in every classroom and that they also post a 4 square which lists every students behaviors, reinforcers, preferred tasks and triggers. As a Floating Para, I’m sent wherever they’re short-staffed which means I can go to one of 18 different classrooms within our autism support program which makes the 4 square and the schedule essential for someone like me who hasn’t had a chance to pair with the students. We also keep IT cards and reinforcers at every student’s desk so staff can pull that out if need be. I know that being a man also makes me rather unique which helps when I’m dropped into these situations because it makes it easier to work with the students since they’re already super curious about me.
Thank you for sharing this information. I am stepping into a Special Education Teacher position and your system sounds very efficient and effective. What are IT cards please?
I've been lucky so far. I just started as a Para Sub, and every school I've been at has been so welcoming and grateful that I'm there. They really see how needed we are. And I love all the kids. They're so sweet, even tho sometimes there's behavioral issues. All the teachers and other Paras have really helped when I have questions.
Hi I have over 8 years as a paraprofessional, I just started a new job working in a SPED 2nd and 3rd grade class, i am one of three aid Paraprofessionals, two of them have never worked with special Ed students, the other has never worked in any school before, I have lots of experience as a 1:1 with autistic children, I am being singled out by those two aids and the teacher because I actually care how these students are treated, and because I have an opinion of how to deal with some behaviors in autistic students, the one aid that has been there about two weeks before me has the upper hand on how to deal with students, the other day we were in group centers her table is next to mine, they were working on something the children were coloring, the student a (boy)must have chosen a pink marker to color a boys garment, she told him pink was for girls and to chose a different color for what he was coloring, that’s just one of the many thing she has said.
We have to bathroom these students , there are three female students, two have diapers one of them is very difficult to change diapers because she is resisting and wants to run around you need two people to deal with this student, the other just likes to scream in the bathroom, and the other also needs help changing diaper, when it was time to take them to the bathroom the aids were going to let me take all three of them to bathroom all by myself, when I said that I needed someone to come in with me, the aid that has the upper hand didn't like the fact that I spoke up, now I am being singled out, and treated different than the other two aids, there has been other things that I haven't agree with the upper hand aid, she went and told the teacher about it, how do I know? It is obvious from how the teacher and the other aid who has never worked with children before single me out. It is a very uncomfortable situation, I told the principal about how I feel uncomfortable and maybe they could move me to a different class. Nothing was done, and unfortunately, because the teacher is giving power to these two aids that know nothing about dealing with these students, nothing will change and I will be singled out as an opinionated difficult person, mind you I have never told them how to do their job, I just didn't agree with upper hand aid’s opinion.
Any advice is welcome.
I'm a teacher and I agree- great advice, especially the feedback. Id also add it's so helpful to find time to debrief at the end of the day or session with your TAs, especially if they've had a rough day. Reminds everyone we're on the same page and in it together. Helps a lot when there's challenging behaviour in the room
Great video!! I had "paraprofessionals" in California, they're called the same in Michigan where I grew up. In Oregon where I teach now, they are called EAs (Educational Assistants). Totally agree, mine are the BEST too!!! Thanks for sharing!!
I just started a youtube channel, and I'm hoping we can start creating more representation for special ed (especially behavior) on TH-cam!
So glad you finally did it Haley! yay! I will be sure to check it out and subscribe!
My experience as a Paraprofessional has been great! After being a Head Preschool teacher for 22 years and becoming a Para for the first time, I have to say my Head teacher was amazing.
my great aunt Tracy is a paraprofessional aide in Texas.
Awesome tips! I will be starting student teaching in an EI classroom setting, I will remember these tips and put them into work as I student teach and after becoming a teacher.
Thanks for this. Switching to Diverse Learner Teacher next year after 18 years.
I am so happy I found your channel! Thank you for sharing! New subscriber here as a person called to special education. Starting out as a Paraprofessional.
Awesome video! It's SO hard to teach in front of grownups, especially if they're older than you. 😂
I've been so lucky with all of my paras!
This is my second year now and i found this so helpful! Thank you, I am in the same position!
great video as always as we are out teaching online your videos are added to my work log so i´m learning as well.even though
i´m in a 3/4 year old self contained class i am still learning from this videos.
Hi! I am currently teaching online still!
We call ours Teacher Assistants. Thanks for posting?
I just stumbled on your video I'll soon be working as a sped teachers assistant and I'm quite nervous I just graduated
how is it going now?
ACRONYMS! I am trying to compile a list of acronym definitions but they did not provide me with that at the beginning.
Wow thank you for this video ♥️♥️♥️ You’re amazing!
Love your channel, you give such wonderful, practical advice.
Do you have a link to the template you use for weekly lesson plans that you give to your paras?
Most paras become teachers because they got tired of being treated like just the help, what’s funny is some of them become teachers & treat their paras exactly how they were mistreated or worse, it’s always some type of power tripping when people are the leaders & they forget they weren’t always in lead positions
Hey I'm in maine. I start tommorow 😲
... u share lesson plans AND copies at the beginning of the week? u mean u don't throw ur paras into teaching lessons last minute, or ask em to make copies in the middle of their workflow? lmao i suddenly feel another layer of abused 😭
Same here!
Hi, great video. Do you have a sample of what you give your paras?
Hi! I give them the lessons plans for the week and all of their copies. In a binder at the beginning of the year I give them the day schedule, the student roster, a synopsis of each kids IEP goals, the basic accommodations that could be provided. I try to sit with them all at the beginning and talk about different situations that might require accommodations or modifications. We also practice taking data. At this pont, I have had them each for two years so now we are a well oiled machine.
Thank you I am a para I worked with a New Teacher for 3years.The first two years were good but the third year went off the track.The Teacher barely communicated with me I asked if something was wrong and I was there If she needed to talk.I was told nothing was wrong.The School went on and finished I asked to be moved.I was moved and life at School was better again and back to normal.June
Thanks for this video.
Great video
Are Paras the same as Instructional aides?
Thank you
I start this month! I'm so nervous, I am also in mass. #paraprofessional I'd love some tips
One on one aid
I’m an “Aide”
You might want to take off the incorrect apostrophe in the word “para’s” on your thumbnail. It gets no apostrophe, and we don’t want to make that mistake if we work in education.
No thanks!
@@thatspecialeducator1061 leave it then, if you want to look like an uneducated teaching assistant who doesn’t know the proper use of apostrophes, knock yourself out. Will you please post what school district you work at so parents can be informed about the level of education their teacher’s assistants have? No one wants to send their kids to school where the teachers don’t even know how to use proper punctuation. We don’t want to spread that ignorance around.
Lol! Chill out, Shannon. Deep breaths might help you!
@@angiesalcido You must have been publicly educated yourself by ignorant teachers. This is the sad state of our country. Not only do we have Paras who don’t have a command of their own language, but they’re passing it on to the students. No wonder our country is laughed at at our level of stupidity. Bravo! A stupid Para AND a stupid person thinking it’s ok.
You got it, Shannon! ;)