The job of a paraprofessional is to work under a professional teacher, but they are more than just an assistant. They work as a part of a team to ensure that students are learning. To be successful, they need to be respected and included in the decision-making process. For the best outcomes, follow these five tips for working with a paraprofessional.
1. Respect Their Contribution
Too many people view a paraprofessional as just an assistant. In reality, they are responsible for a wide range of activities in the classroom. While one of their jobs is to implement teacher-planned instructions, they also serve as behavioral supports and supervise the students. During the school day, they may also help with personal care tasks like bathroom breaks, medical care or tube feeding. They carry out clerical needs, implement communication systems and support individual needs. With so many tasks, they deserve the teacher’s respect.
2. Use Their Skills
For a successful working relationship, teachers need to use all the help that they can get. Each paraprofessional brings unique skills, talents and experiences to the classroom. Their training means that they can support the teacher in a number of ways. By learning the paraprofessional’s strengths and weaknesses, teachers can create a strong working relationship.
3. Some Supervision Is Needed
While the paraprofessional may be trained for their role, they still need some supervision from the teacher. This supervision helps them to grow and become better at their job. At the same time, teachers cannot take things too far. If they give the paraprofessional too much work, it can end up making the individual distressed, unhappy or resentful. The right balance of leadership and supervision ensures that instructional time is spent productively.
4. Communication Is Key
Communication is not just telling someone what to do. It involves actively listening, trusting the other person, creating clear expectations and respecting differences. When the classroom does not have effective communicators, it ruins the efficiency and quality of work in the classroom.
An estimated 90 percent of all communication is nonverbal. This means that good communicators know how to use hand gestures and nonverbal communication styles. There will always be difficult conversations, but good communicators are able to navigate these experiences with grace. In some classrooms, the teacher creates a notebook or communication log where everyone can write notes about what is going on in the classroom.
5. Plan Together
While the paraprofessional may not have the same degree as the teacher, they still have useful skills and creativity that can be put to work. They should be involved in the planning process as a vital resource. In addition, supporting the planning process means that they will know exactly how to help in the classroom. This makes the entire classroom experience more effective and efficient.
By learning how to work with a paraprofessional, teachers can ensure that their classroom is a well-oiled machine. It all starts with a relationship built on respect, trust and communication. With the right approach, teachers and other school employees can create a strong, team-based environment.
