Paraprofessionals play an important role in the classroom. Para’s help the classroom by supporting the educational journey of students. Not only are paraprofessionals beneficial to the students but they’re also beneficial to the teachers and overall learning environment. Being a first-year paraprofessional can be nerve-wrecking, but it is a rewarding experience. Here are 5 tips to succeed as a paraprofessional.
Communicate Constantly
A huge portion of this job is communication, communication with students, families, teachers, etc. As a paraprofessional it is important to communicate daily, both good and bad. There are times that you may spend more time with a student than the lead teacher. Therefore, you will have a better idea of the students’ progress. Creating an open communication relationship with the lead teacher is important since you’ll have more information on a student you are working closely with. Be sure to communicate any concerns or issues you may have. Listening skills are key!
Document Everything
As a paraprofessional you may very well be working with students with special needs. In these cases, documentation is very important. Since most special needs students have IEP’s or 504 Plans, documentation needs to be done daily to see the progress of the student. The main role of documentation is to monitor and assess student progress. These documentations may very well change their IEP/504 Plans to accurately shape the student’s learning environment. Having a paper trail of interactions, progress, and behaviors protects you from any misconstrued conversations later on.
Act with Integrity
Paraprofessionals should always act with integrity and honesty in an ethical manner. It’s important to realize the impact and influence you will have on others. Strive to be an outstanding example for your students and others around you. Familiarize yourself with the school’s rules and the lead teacher’s expectations. Acting with integrity as a paraprofessional is crucial as it helps build relationships and trust with the students. This ensures that you will maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical standards.
Show Respect
It’s no surprise that kids like to test patience. It’s important to stay respectful in all situations. As I said earlier, you are a role model to the students you are working with. Not only do you need to show respect, but you may also need to teach it as well. Demonstrating respect as a paraprofessional contributes to a positive school environment. It teaches students valuable social and interpersonal skills that they can carry with them moving forward. When students feel respected, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning. This creates a safe and supportive atmosphere. Showing respect to students, teachers, administrators, and other staff members enhances your credibility and professionalism.
Embrace Flexibility
No two days are the same as a paraprofessional, even if you are assigned to just one particular student. It’s important to embrace flexibility in this position. Some days you may be working with one student, other days you may be working with a group of students. It all depends on the day and lesson plans. There are times when you’ll also be pulled to help the school with cafeteria or recess duty. Being adaptable allows you to respond effectively to the needs of the students, teachers, and educational setting as a whole.
Conclusion
In summary, paraprofessionals should keep an open line of communication, document everything, act with integrity and respect, and embrace flexibility. Paraprofessionals are the backbone of the classroom and act as a bridge between special education and general education. Para’s also very well serve as a bridge between students and teachers, helping to create a positive, safe, learning environment. If you’re looking to pursue a paraprofessional job in New Jersey, Horizon Staffing Resources can give you a hand in finding your perfect fit! There are many benefits of paraprofessionals and it isn’t an easy job, however it is extremely rewarding to make a positive impact on students’ lives.