Professional Development for Paraprofessionals

Collaboration between paraprofessionals and teachers, both general education and special education, in a school setting creates better learning spaces for students and helps to meet their needs (Cipriano 2016). The different expectations of the role of paraprofessionals are to work one-on-one with students, work with small groups, modify materials, collect data, provide personal care assistance, enforce behavior plans, meet with teachers, and supervise students (Carter 2009). This project consisted of a review of the literature of the varying roles of paraprofessionals as well as a professional development presentation intended for paraprofessionals. It examined roles and effective measures for paraprofessionals as they work with students receiving special education services. Specifically, it included a discussion of their responsibilities, roles, professionalism in the school setting, and collaboration with teachers