One of the roles of a special educator that is not discussed a lot in college prep programs is how to manage not only the students in your classroom, but the other adults as well! I struggled with this at first. Over the last couple of years, I have learned some ways to make my paras feel supported.
My experience with paraprofessionals
I worked with a paraprofessional my first year of teaching kindergarten. My classroom aide, Gabby, (shown on the left in the first picture above) was wonderful! Now at my current school, I have a classroom aide, Shiamekah (shown in the second picture in the yellow ice cream cone costume). Many of our students have a 1:1 aide. Amber (pictured in the blue ice cream cone costume) is a 1:1 aide that has worked with me this school year. We have all become friends as well and enjoy laughing together about some of the hilarious things our students say and do (not in front of them of course!) We also love to show our Buffalo Bills pride (third picture, I am with other paras/support staff). I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing paraprofessionals.
Set expectations
It is important to set expectations on your first day of working with a para. I use this template above that shows what the para should be doing during each part of the day. Sometimes, it is not made clear to a para what they should be doing in each moment, which may result in them sitting back and “doing nothing” because they are simply not sure what to do. This template makes it easier to address any issues by referring back to this outline and reminding them what the expectation is during that time.
Here is a link to the form that I use that you can alter to fit your classroom! You can also make para binders, like this one from Simply Special Ed, for your staff.
Build in breaks
My school is a bit unique in the fact that our paraprofessionals do not get a break built into their day. Meanwhile, I get two 40-minute planning periods every day, and an extra 40-minute planning once a week. Although I of course have work to complete during my break times, that time to decompress and take a moment to breathe is so valuable to me. It seemed that my paras needed that type of break, too.
I added para break times to the daily schedule (pictured above with student names blacked out). I base it mostly around when students are pulled for services. If there is a day when a 1:1 aide’s student is not pulled at all, I still have a break built in for that aide.
I highly encourage special education teachers to add these breaks into their schedule if it’s not already included, even if it’s just 15-20 minutes. Make sure to check with your admin about staying in ratio and other factors. This shows that you care about their well-being and understand that everyone needs that moment to breathe during a crazy day!
For an editable schedule document, download this one here.
Remember you are on the same team
Conflicts with coworkers can arise in any job, not just teaching. If you are having a disagreement with a para, it should never be in front of the students. There have been times when a para says something to a student/gives them a consequence that I may not necessarily agree with, and vice versa. Instead of bringing it up in front of the student and creating confusion, I encourage paras and teachers to always back each other up in the moment. The students will sense if you are not on the same page with your paras and may use that to their advantage. Then, when there is a moment later in the day when students aren’t around, that issue can be addressed, and the teacher and para can come up with a solution to handle it better next time.
It’s important to remember that you and your paras are on the same team and have a common goal of helping your students succeed. No matter what your differences are, it is important to convey that you are working together and that the paras are also other teachers in the room. Refer to them as teachers to the students, so that they start to view them that way as well.
Give gifts
A small gift here and there is something that anyone appreciates! Whether it’s for a holiday, a birthday, or just a simple thank you, something small can go a long way. This can be treating them to a lunch, a $5 gift card to their favorite coffee place, a cute water cup, etc., it is a great way to show your appreciation. You can use a para survey to find out what they like or dislike at the beginning of the school year. Here is another blog post where you can find gift ideas for any kind of budget!
Ask them for their input and value their expertise
My current aide has been at my school for 20 years, so she knows the ins and outs of the whole place very well! I have relied on her since I started at my school 2.5 years ago to give me input on certain things. This may include the best way to handle a behavior situation, how the school runs special school-wide events, etc. Remember that paras bring valuable knowledge about the school, certain students they have worked with before, and other topics.
The IEP Binder even has input forms for you to collect information from them for IEPs!
Paraprofessionals are valuable assets to schools, and any good special education teacher knows that the day would not run smoothly without them!
