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At some point in our educational careers, we are all going to work with a paraprofessional or aide in the classroom. Sometimes we get lucky and these people are AMAZING to work with! Other times we have to help them learn our expectations for helping the students.
fonts by Jen Jones – Hello Literacy
little smiley graphic by Mr. Magician
little smiley graphic by Mr. Magician
Here are some tips that I’ve found to be helpful when working with parapros in the classroom:
- be specific about expectations
- give them examples that they can reference again and again (We went to school for years to learn how to manage a classroom, so don’t expect them to take in too much information at one time and remember it all!)
- let them watch you
- give honest, but kind, feedback about what they are doing well and what can be improved
- if things are not going as you expected, intervene sooner than later – it’s hard to break bad habits, so it’s better to get them taken care of right away – talk to your administrator or another teacher who has a good working relationship with this person if you are unsure about how to approach the subject
- don’t bellyache about your para – if you think teachers are underpaid, think about the time/effort/money these people put into their day even and how little they make! they are doing just as many great things for students as we as teachers are!
What other tips would you add to this list?
I have only been teaching for four years, but this is my first year without a parapro. One thing I always liked to do was to walk them through my daily schedule, model what it would look like,and then give immediate feedback if something was not to my liking (not within earshot of any kiddos of course!).
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Ask if they have any input or ideas about a lesson or classroom management. I was once a para, now a teacher and while I was a para I was getting my Master's Degree. Paras have a lot of great ideas but sometimes keep them to themselves so they don't step on any toes!
Caitlin – I totally agree! The first year I taught Kindergarten my aide had been in her position for nine years. She was an absolute life-saver! She had so many incredible ideas and tips that I couldn't possibly know after just three years of teaching. I'm not sure what I would have done with her! =)
~HoJo~
I have been a para and now a teacher for 13 years. My best advice is to have excellent communication. Share your calendar, share important information from school and parents that they may not have heard, share your concerns and praises. Also, treat your para as an extension of your self, not a conveinence for you.I tell my paras that they are not my aides, they are there for the students just as I am.
Yes, camarokat! I never asked my para to do ANYTHING that I wouldn't do myself. They were there to work with the kids! Thanks for your comment. =)
~HoJo~