aide problems By Julianne

Keeping track of the aide's specific violations, such as yelling in class, not changing behavior when asked. Be sure to document date, time and behavior, just as you would with a child.

Request a formal hearing with your principals - both of them. Document exactly what they tell you. Write it down in their presence, asking them to clarify as you write. Sometimes when you have it in writing things change more quickly.

Ask your principal what happens if this woman does not change her ways. What steps must the school go to in order to fire or reassign her? Make a list of the steps and follow through on them.

Go to your teacher's union or association and ask for help. If you signed a contract it may include provisions about your relationships with paraprofessionals. Again, you'll need documentation - dates, misbehaviors, requests for help and what they produced.

Finally, if things don't get better you can request the opportunity to use this person in a different capacity. In other words, don't have her in the classroom with you. Use her as a clerical aide rather than an instructional aide. Or have her take small groups or individuals out in the hall to work with them. Find ways to keep her from being right under your nose. Some schools don't care how you use your aide, others have incredibly strict guidelines. If your school is more open, you can alleviate some of your problems by having "Attila" run off papers and correct spelling tests for you.