Thursday, July 18, 2013
Working with Paraprofessionals: Blog #8
Paraprofessionals play a vital role in special education today. Please discuss some of the strengths and weaknesses you may bring to working with paraprofessionals in your classroom. How can you then build on your strengths to help eliminate or at least diminish your weaknesses?
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I feel that some of my strengths are flexibility, understanding, empathy, and organization. I can teach a para how to approach situations calmly and remain flexible when things don’t go quite as planned. One of my weaknesses is to learn to “fly by the seat of my pants” or proceed without a plan. To me being flexible is much different than being unprepared. Being unprepared and pulling a lesson off without pre-planning, is not one of my strengths. I like things to be very organized and teach with a general plan in mind, but allow for some flexibility. Another weakness is that sometimes I don’t relinquish control easily so I need to learn how to allow a para to assist me. Together we would build upon our strengths and weaknesses to create the perfect learning environment.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to know and understand the difference between being flexible and being unprepared. You seem to have a good handle on this so that you can keep moving toward prepared flexibiity.
ReplyDeleteI haven't worked with many paraprofessionals, but when I do have the opportunity to, I appreciate all the help they can give. When I began teaching I had a para in my room and always found it difficult to tell her what to do. She was older than me, and I felt awkward telling her what needs to be done. Over the past few years I have gotten better asking them for help. I make them feel appreciated by always telling them how I appreciate their help. I make sure to compliment them when they do something good, and now I have no problem professionally and respectfully telling them to try something a different way. This past year I had a para in my room for a few weeks and had no problem asking her for help copying, filling out paperwork, working with students, etc. Try and maintain a positive, professional relationship with your para, because they can make your day smooth or make you dread coming to work.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started teaching, the aide had been there for 26 years. It was tough to come in and give her my opinions on how things should be run.
DeleteAge differences between teachers and paras can create for uncomfortable situations but it is important to alway remember who the teacher is and maintain that professionalism.
ReplyDeleteI have worked with two different para's over the past 7 years. The first person I worked with seemed as though she could read my mind. We had a dance that was smooth and seamless in the classroom. Parents would always comment of the fact we didn't even speak at times we just knew what the other person needed. When she left I was nervous about having someone new in my classroom. In the beginning I had to encourage her to try things on her own. She was so nervous because she had heard about the great relationship I had with my previous person. I told her I thought we would do just fine we just needed to be honest and open about what we both expected from each other. She was happy to hear that and we work well together. We have learned that saying what you need, complimenting each other and each taking our jobs seriously is important. We treat our classroom as if it were our home we both work hard to make it inviting for our students and a comfortable place for both of us to work.
ReplyDeleteI love your comparison to a dance- it is great when you can compliment each other.
DeleteAs a substitute teacher I am placed in many situations. Sometimes I am the teacher and sometimes I am the para. When I am the para for a classroom, I will ask what is expected of me right in the beginning and do my best to carry out the duties need. I feel a strength would be taking initiative and asking questions. I was a para for 4 weeks in a self contained classroom. I made sure to always ask how everyone was doing and to listen to what they were telling me. I found that when I brought something up that they had mentioned to me previously they found that I genuinely cared about what they were telling me. I feel when people work together and build upon each other's strengths in the classroom this creates a happy effective environment for everyone to succeed,
ReplyDeleteShowing that you genuinely care about both the students and the teacher makes for a strong working foundation.
DeleteI have worked with many different paraprofessionals over the last two and a half years. If I compare how I supervised them then to how I supervise them now, I would say I have improved a lot! You learn a lot about the challenges of working with paraprofessionals in college, but the experience is what actually allows you to improve. I definitely think one of my strengths is my organization. My students have individualized schedules and so do my aides. These schedules are very easy to follow so that the expectations are clear. By looking at the schedules, my aides know whom they are working with at what center, and they also know what they are supposed to be working on. This allows our classroom to run as smoothly as possible.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I struggle with is expecting my aides to know what I am thinking. It is very easy for me to see a student struggling with their work and to know that I should go and help them. My aides, however, need direction in order to carry out a task. If I see a student who needs assistance, I have to ask my aides to help them. Another thing that I need to do more of is modeling. Instead of just discussing how to do something, I need to do more modeling so that they can see exactly how it is supposed to be done. I know that if I keep working on these things in my classroom, I will get less frustrated with my aides because they will begin to pick up on things and hopefully take more initiative with the students.
You are correct that being organized is a key skill for a teacher with paras. I also agree that modeling is something all teachers should do for their paras.
DeleteAs others above have stated, I have learned a great deal from working with my paraprofessional. She is funny, patient, but yet stern when needed. She is a backbone to the classroom, and when she may pick up on a student who might be struggling, she is on it and assisting them before I can even make eye contact to her. We have created that team within the classroom, and know how each other interact to different situations. We have also set rules and expectations and abide by them so that it does not create an offset of confusion between us. If a student asks the paraprofessional for something or to do something that he/she shouldn't be doing, he/she knows the same answer will be from me as well. Students appreciate the additional support in the classroom when they become stumped, and I greatly appreciate all of her assistance as well.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the way that you are able to work with your paraprofessional. It so interesting that you call her the backbone of your classroom.
DeleteI have worked with several paraprofessionals in the last seven years. One of the paraprofessionals and I have been together for five years. She and I have a great relationship. We understand each others quirks. We are great about communicating non-verbally. If I have to be out due to a meeting, I am completely confident that my class will run smoothly. She implements my behavior plans with fidelity. I appreciate her support in my classroom. We worked on our communication. We expressed our frustrations and our successes with one another. We listened to each others feedback and criticisms. We worked diligently on our relationship.
ReplyDeleteWhat is especially great is that your paraprofessional implements your behavior plans with fidelity. It takes work but it looks like working on your relationship has paid off.
DeleteI have only had the experience of working with a paraprofessional while I was student teaching in one of the classrooms. Regardless, I think that one of my strengths would be accepting the paraeducator's suggestions and insight.. Often, another person in the classroom can catch issues in behavior or learning deficits that the teacher does not see. I would definitely accept that advice and be willing to make adjustments based on it. I feel that I would be very specific in communicating what roles that I would like the paraprofessional to facilitate during lessons. However, I could also see that as a weakness in that the paraeducator would think that I was being bossy or undermining his or her expertise. In that sense, it would be imperative that we set communication and role expectations from the start of the school year so that we are comfortable exchanging ideas with each other.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to be able to share freely with your paraprofessional so good communication is key.
DeleteIt is so important to be able to share freely with your paraprofessional so good communication is key.
DeleteI have had some really positive relationships with paraprofessionals, and unfortunately some negative as well. I think the key to beginning and maintaining a positive relationship is to be honest, kind, and sincere. Trying to understand the para's point of view on all situations is necessary. I had to be open to her criticisms, without being personally offended, and she had to do the same. I made sure to provide her with plenty of praise for all of the great things she did in the classroom, so that when I needed to bring up something that should be worked on, she would be more open to listen. Negative relationships can begin to form if you do not allow openness and honesty into the relationship. I had a paraprofessional who was not willing to take any suggestions. She felt as if her age trumped my degree, and there seemed to be a battle for control. At that point, I had to get a 3rd party involved. You spend a lot of time with your paraprofessional, so it is vital that both the teacher and the paraprofessional make a strong effort to make the relationship work for the benefit of the students.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that you need an open and honest relationship with a para to have a successful work environment.
DeleteBeing honest, kind, and sincere are characteristics that should be a part of all of our relationships.
DeleteWhen working with paraprofessionals there are areas where I think I can help build skills and other areas I need to work on myself. I am very good with getting my point across in a proactive and non-threatening or insulting manner, and I have a lot of patience with teaching these individuals new skills to better serve our learners. I keep an open line of communication with all of my paraprofessionals and I am sensitive to their strengths and try to play into them with their assignments. One weakness I have, which I discovered after reading through the powerpoint on working with paraprofessionals, is my inability to run efficient meetings. I have never prepared an agenda to hand out to the paraprofessionals and I certainly do not provide them with enough written feedback and instruction. I can build on my strengths by continuing to look on the bright side and see the good in each person who comes into my classroom and I can diminish my weaknesses by starting to prepare a couple days ahead of time for meetings by generating an agenda of critical topics for discussion.
ReplyDeleteI love that you are able to look honestly at both your strengths and weaknesses. That honesty will help you grow as a professional educator.
DeleteI love that you are able to look honestly at both your strengths and weaknesses. That honesty will help you grow as a professional educator.
DeleteI have had the opportunity to work with many different paraprofessionals over the last six years. There have been great days, good days, and some days I'd like to forget. Some of the best paras I have worked with have been working in schools longer than I have been teaching. I can draw from their experience and knowledge to help our class do its best. I have worked in 4 different schools in the last 6 school years, having a para who is familiar with the school, students and their families has been extremely helpful. The paras I have worked with have had older siblings of the students in front of us which can be very helpful at the beginning of the school year to build rapport with the students.
ReplyDeleteI am good at clearly explaining things to my para and making sure they have everything they need to carry out the task. However, I do not give enough feedback and can get upset when things go awry because I did not give feedback. I need to be better about giving feedback to the paras I work with in the future. This will allow more time for me to focus on students and not worry about if the tasks the para is handling.
Giving feedback to your paras will help them learn and grow.
DeleteI can relate to struggling with giving feedback, Lindsey! I am totally guilty of "wishing problems away" instead of just saying something. I need to get out of that habit, as it typically only makes things worse.
DeleteStrengths: build a relationship with my paraprofessional, put routines in place, have extra work in case there is down time, clear schedule that is easy to follow, lesson plans are easily designed and the students they are working with are defined,
ReplyDeleteWeakness: Push over, when i need things down right away and they did not complete I always just do it myself.
For the weaknesses I need to learn to be more assertive with what i need done. I can't always just do things because they are not completed when I asked them to be. I need to make my paraprofessionals accountable for their work too.
It's very honest of you to look at your weaknesses and understand that these are things you need to work on. I hope you are successful.
DeleteSome of my strengths would be my willingness to be opened to ideas other than my own. A willingness to plan and collaborate and respect all of those involved in the classroom. An ability to make those working in the room with me feel important, useful and wanted. I am able to delegate work and provide clear and concise instructions. The biggest weakness I have is my weariness to be critical of others, even if it’s to their benefit. I just need to be more assertive regarding this matter, but it needs to be done in a professional manner.
ReplyDeleteAnnette
Wow- if you are able to make the people you work with feel respected and important, collaboration will naturally happen.
ReplyDeleteIn my three years at Elim, I have worked directly with more than 25 different paraprofessionals! I have been extremely fortunate to have consistently had so much help and support over this time, but it has not been easy. My first year, I had eight students- all who had the diagnoses "MD- Multiple Disabilities" and had a 1:1 paraprofessional. I was in way over my head. I can say without hesitation that working alongside and "managing" classroom staff was the most difficult part of my first year. I feel proud when I think about how far I have come. When I think about my personal strengths and weaknesses in regard to working with paraprofessionals, this is what I came up with.
ReplyDeleteStrengths: Being an "active listener," Paying attention to likes/ dislikes, Building relationships, Being organized, Having an open mind, Being honest
Weaknesses: Confrontation, Giving "constructive criticism- type" feedback, Decision-making during crisis situations (especially when 5+ people are involved), Redirecting unwanted conversations (such as gossip)
You were very honest about your strengths and weaknesses. This will only help you become a better teacher leader when working with paras in the future.
DeleteYou were very honest about your strengths and weaknesses. This will only help you become a better teacher leader when working with paras in the future.
DeleteMy strength to working with paraprofessionals is my open mind to their ideas and creativity. I am more than willing to facilitate a learning environment in my classroom not only for my students but also for my staff. Their experience with me should be one in which they are growing professionally. A weakness that I bring to working with paraprofessionals is my frustration level when I have to continue to remind paraprofessionals of students plans and reprimand them when they are not following through with a student's plan. I can build upon my weakness by suggesting a meeting to discuss my areas of concern for the paraprofessional and have the para sign an agreement for necessary improvement.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of having a written agreement with a para that leads to their improvement. Then you both have mutually agreed on expectations.
DeleteMy strength with working with paraprofesionals is my preference to working on a team, rather than be the sole leader. However, that is my biggest weakness, is that if I feel you are not willing to take an active and equal role in our class, I will take over. I work best as a part of a team, but I am too impatient to wait for someone to "feel things out". Jump in! that is my motto and the para's I have had the best working relationships with, have done just that. We discuss our concerns, ideas, suggestions, openly and honestly, free from judgement. Those I have not worked well with in the past, would say, " well I am waiting for your direction, becuae I am not the teacher and I will not be held resposnsible for YOUR mistakes." Needless to say, that relationship did not go well or last very long. That is also and improtant part. Working with a paraprofessional is a relationship. Roles need to be clearly defined, and expectations have to be agreed upon and accepted. If not, things will not go well, and the students will see it in a heartbeat, and that only makes everythign more difficult.
ReplyDeleteYou are so correct that the relationship with your para is critically important and roles MUST be defined.
DeleteI feel my biggest strength in dealing with paraprofessionals is my experience as a paraprofessional. I feel this gives me an understanding of how a paraprofessional feels. When my ideas were not received at all and brushed away I was less motivated to work hard for my teacher. I always did have the understanding I was here for the student and always gave my best effort, but some individuals will shut down. I feel my biggest weakness is separating myself from this para role. I will need to be conscious of how I am interacting and be sure to be fair but not a friend. Knowing how the para feels and adjusting to make them part of the planning process and take their suggestions to heart. By doing these things and sticking true to my expectations when I am challenged I can be a good leader for a group of paras.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right that having been a para yourself gives you great insight into working with paras. You do know how paras feel, how they want to be treated, and how to make them feel worthwhile in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right that having been a para yourself gives you great insight into working with paras. You do know how paras feel, how they want to be treated, and how to make them feel worthwhile in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI work with para's on a constant basis. I do not treat the para's as para's; I treat them as colleagues. The para's tend to work with students on a more consistent basis and sometimes see things that others are not aware of or know that is happening outside their room. I always try to invite a para to an IEP meeting when that para is working with a particular student for a considerable amount of time. A weakness that I have is that I tend to take to much control over the para limiting their ability to create their own lessons. I have since started creating lesson with the para's utilizing their experiences and knowledge to create a more meaningful lesson.
ReplyDeleteAllowing paras to use their expertise with students to co-create lessons is an excellent practice. I'm sure they appreciate being such an integral part of the teaching process.
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