I am often asked about the best ways to utilize the talents, and the presence, of paraprofessionals in the classroom. While not teachers, there are a myriad of things that the paraprofessional can do to maximize their presence, and their contributions to student success, while in the classroom. This article outlines eight ways that paraprofessionals can contribute in their classrooms.
8 Amazing Ways for Paraprofessionals to Maximize Their Classroom Contributions
Behavior Management
- Explain and help small groups set the ground rules so student interaction is positive and productive.
- Ensure that students own their behavior by using strategies and language that takes the responsibility off you and keeps it where it belongs – on the child.
Foster Relationships
- Encourage students to make friendships in the classroom so they feel empowered and learn to be more independent.
- Position yourself so that the teacher communicates directly with the student, enabling them to develop a rapport.
- Encourage other students to interact with students with special needs.
Provide Support so that All Benefit
- Ask questions. It is helpful to the teacher and to other students in class. Feel free to offer suggestions. At times, you may want to offer them to the teacher privately; however, offering suggestions appropriately in the classroom is a wonderful advantage to the class as a whole.
- Consider yourself a helper to all students in the classroom. This benefits the teacher, reduces stigma on the student with special needs, and supports all students in the room.
- Move around the room. At times, it will be necessary and critical to be near your assigned student(s). However, it is just as critical for student(s) to be on their own in order to develop independence.
- Ask yourself, “How would I feel if I had an adult right next to me all day long?” Have the courage to give students personal space to interact with the classroom teacher, other students, and to work independently.
Don’t try to be a Lone Ranger
- Get help when you need it. Everyone needs help at times.
- When you must make quick, on-the-spot decisions or adaptations while providing instructions, it is critical to discuss these decisions with the general and/or special education teacher as soon as possible so they can provide necessary feedback.
Foster Independence
- Allow and encourage students to do anything and everything they can and should do for themselves. If we fall into the trap of doing too much for the child, we encourage learned helplessness.
- Try to remember that no matter what the cognitive age of the child, it is important to treat him or her socially in accordance with his or her chronological age. The more we expect, the more they will deliver, within reason.
- Expect and encourage age-appropriate social behavior.
Maintain Confidentiality
- Avoid discussing your students with others outside the classroom unless they also work with the student and have a legal right to that information.
- If you are unsure about what can be shared without violating confidentiality, defer, and refer to the teacher or your supervisor.
- Don’t identify students you work with to others when you see them out in the community. Be careful in social situations of providing too much information (TMI).
- Keep what you say and write about a student positive! Use initials instead of full names where appropriate.
Empower your Teacher
- Be flexible. Sometimes your ability to be flexible provides a huge service to your collaborating teacher. The classroom can be an unpredictable place and the more we are able to roll with the changes, the better it will be for everyone.
- Sometimes, you’ll be working with a new teacher. It’s possible you have many years of experience and have set ideas on what works and what doesn’t. Empower your teacher. Make suggestions, and respect his/her choices. Try not to take offense if your experience is ignored. Every teacher needs to find their own way. They need your support in the process.
Be Amazing
- Identify and rally your strengths. You have expertise that benefits the child and the teacher in the classroom. Use it.
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