Navigating the dynamic landscape of special education requires effective teamwork, and working with paraprofessionals is a key component to ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive. As educators dedicated to supporting students with diverse needs, we understand the importance of collaboration and teamwork in creating inclusive learning environments. One of the invaluable resources we have at our disposal is the support of paraprofessionals. These dedicated professionals are vital in providing individualized assistance and fostering student success. Detailed below are ten best practices for working effectively with paraprofessionals. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, these strategies will help you harness the full potential of your paraprofessional team.
Note: My perspective may be different from others as I was a para before becoming a teacher. That experience has changed my view on the role of paraprofessionals in the classroom.
1. Include them / Give them a voice
Encourage paraprofessionals to take ownership of their work and make decisions within their scope of practice. Provide guidance and support, but also allow them the autonomy to implement strategies that they believe will benefit students. Delegate tasks and responsibilities based on each of their strengths, interests, and expertise. Empower them to lead small group activities, collect data, or implement accommodations and modifications tailored to student needs by ensuring they are trained properly. Including them in team meetings and planning sessions will foster a collaborative environment where they feel comfortable sharing their ideas and thoughts. Show genuine interest in their perspectives and value their input.
2. Promote professional growth
Encourage paraprofessionals to pursue opportunities for professional development and further education in the field of special education. This could include attending workshops, conferences, or online courses related to topics like behavior management, assistive technology, or inclusive teaching practices. Help them locate financial support or reimbursement for paraprofessionals seeking certifications or degrees in special education or related fields. Offer guidance on available scholarship opportunities or tuition assistance programs and/or share contact information of someone who can assist them in this area. If you do not know who might be able to help them, reach out to your team leader or administrator for guidance. Create a supportive environment that values continuous learning and professional growth. Recognize and celebrate the achievements of paraprofessionals who engage in professional development and apply new knowledge and skills in the classroom.
3. Respect them
… and require your students to also. I make it known in front of the Para and students that he/she is also their teacher. They are required to give him/her the same respect they give me. If one of my paras did or said something that I didn’t agree with, I would not correct it in front of the students. (That could be very embarrassing or triggering for him/her and ruin any possibility of a relationship.) I would speak to him/her privately before or after school to discuss my concerns. During this conversation I would also provide more appropriate suggestions to try going forward.
Arguing in front of the students simply shows them who has the power and who doesn’t – or who gets the respect and who doesn’t. I also do not ask them to do anything that I am not willing to do. This is probably the most important tip to keep in mind when working with paraprofessionals. Essentially, I treat them the way I want to be treated. Paraprofessionals who feel valued and respected are more likely to do whatever is needed to support students.
4. Give them their own space
Assigning specific areas or workstations for paraprofessionals also shows respect for their role and professionalism. It acknowledges their contributions as valued members of the educational team. Designating space for paraprofessionals to store personal items, materials, resources, and documentation enhances organization. It allows them to access what they need quickly and facilitates smooth workflow throughout the day. Having their own space can empower them to take ownership of their work and engage in reflective practice. Basically, it makes them feel as though they belong or are a part of the classroom.
5. Get to know them
Developing personal relationships fosters trust and rapport between you and your paraprofessionals. When team members know each other personally, they are more likely to communicate openly, collaborate effectively, and support one another in their work. Getting to know your paraprofessionals allows you to understand their strengths, skills, and preferences.
Here a few things you can do to get to know them – have them complete a questionnaire about their preferences, have lunch with them (treat them to lunch if you can afford it), or play a get-to-know-you game with students, and have them participate as well. This knowledge enables you to delegate tasks effectively, capitalize on their expertise, and create a more cohesive and efficient team. Taking the time to get to know them shows them you care and have empathy for their well-being. You can offer support during challenging times, celebrate successes, and create a positive work environment that fosters happiness and morale.
6. Establish routines and procedures
This can be done with a W.O.W. (Way Of Work) Guide. This document should include details such as who is responsible for direct instruction, behavior management, communication with parents, schedules, duties, and documentation of student progress. Schedule a meeting at the beginning of the school year or when a new paraprofessional joins the team to discuss these roles and expectations in detail. Allow for questions and clarifications to ensure everyone is on the same page. Regularly revisit and revise the roles and expectations as needed based on student needs, changes in responsibilities, or feedback from team members.
7. Train them
Train them on how you want them to do what you want them to do. This could go hand in hand with the W.O.W. Guide. I always demonstrate how I need data collected either by having the para be the student or having another teacher come in to be the student. Then we do live demonstrations on data collection and documentation, communicating with parents, how to set up stations, where to find additional supplies, and anything else I need them to know how to do. If they are required to use a curriculum that they do not have experience with, I ensure they get signed up for the training or I train them. I never ask them to use something I am not familiar with, as I need to ensure they are utilizing the curriculum effectively.
8. Give timely and effective feedback
Feedback offers paraprofessionals valuable insights into their performance, helping them identify strengths and areas for improvement. This information enables them to enhance their skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in supporting students with disabilities – the reason why they are in your classroom. Feedback clarifies expectations and reinforces the importance of meeting job responsibilities and performance standards. Feedback is most effective when you can be specific but maintain objectivity and control.
Positive feedback recognizes paraprofessionals’ efforts and achievements, boosting their morale and motivation. Constructive feedback highlights areas where they can improve, whether implementing instructional strategies, managing student behavior, or fostering positive relationships. These conversations can be difficult to have when working with paraprofessionals, especially those that require more support. But, you can make it a little easier by giving positive feedback before constructive and ending with more positive feedback.
9. Appreciate them
Take time to express gratitude and appreciation for your paraprofessionals’ hard work and dedication. Acknowledge their contributions during team meetings, in writing to them, your teammates, and admin, and through small gestures such as thank-you notes or tokens of appreciation. These simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference and make working with paraprofessionals impactful.
10. Defend them
Defend them and have their backs. Advocate for fair compensation, and professional development opportunities, not having them pulled out of your classroom due to staffing shortages or other admin requests, and recognition of the important role that they play in supporting students with disabilities. Remember, our work is important and cannot be done alone. If you have a great Para, fight for him or her, especially when they make it known how they feel about certain admin requests.
So…
Working with paraprofessionals effectively is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities. By implementing these best practices —giving them their own space, providing training and support, offering respect and appreciation, promoting professional growth, and providing timely and effective feedback—we can maximize the impact of our collective efforts. Let’s continue to empower and uplift each other as we work together to ensure every student reaches their full potential.
Looking for more information about effectively working with paraprofessionals? Check out these links.
How to work successfully with paraprofessionals
