1. Para-Professionals
Presented by
Ernie
Kim
Felicia

2. Para-Professionals
The role of the paraprofessional or paraeducator is to supplement the instructional or other support services provided to the student with special needs, under the supervision of the teacher or other professional responsible for those services,

3. Objectives
Develop a better understanding of the role of the paraprofessional.
Develop a better understanding of the role of the teacher.
Begin thinking about developing a job description within your district of what is required of the paraprofessional.

4. The role of the Para-professionals
One to one instruction
Small group instruction
Large group instruction
Data collection/observation
Preparation/planning
Reproducing/typing instruction materials
Playground/hall/lunch/bus supervision
Attending meetings/inservice
Storytelling/reading aloud
Carnahan, Williamson, Clarke, Sorensen, (2009)

5. The role of the teacher for Para-professionals
Orienting paraeducators to the program, school and students
Planning for paraeducators
Scheduling for paraeducators
Delegating tasks to paraeducators
On-the-job training and coaching of paraeducators
Monitoring and feedback regarding paraeducator task performance
Managing the workplace (communication, problem solving, conflict management (Correa, Jones, Thomas, Morsink, 2005)

6. Para-Professionals
The term paraprofessional has not been clearly defined in the field of education. Neither the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 nor the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 defines the term (McKenzie, 2008).
Do you know the definition of Paraprofessional within your district?

7. Questions regarding Paraprofessional supports
To what extent should paraprofessionals be teaching students with disabilities?
What impact does the proximity of paraprofessionals have on students with disabilities.
How does the utilization of paraprofessional support affect teacher engagement, and why should it matter?
How can authentic respect, appreciation, and acknowledgement of the important work of paraprofessionals be demonstrated?
What ca be done to improve paraprofessional supports schoolwide?

8. References
Carnahan, C. R., Williamson, P., Clarke, L., Sorensen, R. (2009) A systematic Approach for Supporting Paraeducators in Educational Setting: A Guide for Teachers. Council for Exceptional Children. 41(5),
Correa, V. I., Jones, H. A., Thomas, C.C., Morsink, C. V., Interactive Teaming. Pearson, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey,
Giangreco, M. F., and Doyle, M. B., (2002). Students with disabilities and paraprofessional Supports: Benefits, Balance, and Band-Aids. Focus on Exceptional Children, 34(7), 1-12.
McKenzie, A. R. and Lewis, S., (2008). The Role and Training of Paraprofessionals Who Work with Students Who are Visually Impaired. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness. August.