Parapros make a difference!

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Parapros make a difference!
By Barb

Hi,

This was my first year as a teacher and I was very fortunate to have a parapro. In my school (We are center based with TMI and Autistic students), every classroom has at least 1 parapro and they are valued just as much
as the certified teachers are. (Well, of course, not everyone, there are always a few....)
My parapro taught me as much as I brought to the room myself. SHe had been working with this population for 8 years, this was my first. She had even worked with our students the year before and had that knowledge. While I may know more about "how to teach a certain skill" and the ideas behind

behavior management...she had the experience that made a huge difference.The first week, I had my idea of how I wanted things to go, but asked her to lead me through past routines and schedules so I had an idea of what the kids were used to and then I was able to add my approach to their lives.

In our school, our principal boasts that many of our parapro and teachers work so well together, that many people who walked in the room wouldn't know who was who. We both take equal responsibility for the challenges and successes of our students. We talk about how we could deal with the behaviors and help each other out when a child begins to escalate. As the year went on, we found ourselves often thinking along the same idea or totally meshing on project ideas. While I determine what we'll work on usually, she'll add creative ideas or projects to include and also can tell me if they'd done that in the past and how it went and suggestions to make it easier!

All of Amy's advice was great, too! I had met with my parapro last summer too and that helped the school year start on a more comfortable note. The beginning of the year is hectic enough with getting to know the students...it helps to know your parapro a bit too!

Be clear on expectations...but allow his/her input to the classroom! Value their hard work and care for your students!
Good luck
Barb