Developing Effective Paraeducators

Paraeducators who support students with disabilities are an important part of school systems; without paraeducators school administration and educators would not be able to perform their own responsibilities as effectively. Therefore, it is important that administration understand the factors to consider in order to ensure that paraeducators are utilized as effectively as possible. It is just as important that paras feel appreciated and adequately compensated for the difficult tasks they attend to each day. With proper training, supervision, role clarification, adequate compensation, inclusion and collaboration in team meetings, and preparedness for job duties, paraeducators can help students with disabilities be successful. As their roles and responsibilities change, so must these factors. In my project, I analyzed previously submitted surveys from my current paraeducator team in order to have their input, thoughts and ideas regarding what support would help better prepare them to work with students in special education. I then developed professional development modules, bi-monthly special education meetings and a plan to meet with general educators to continue to work on collaboration. In this document I gathered artifacts from our journey to ensure that paraeducators felt prepared and appreciated