Do's and Dont's of being a Para-Educator
Please someone help me...this is my 3rd year as working as a para in our local school in the Title 1 program and I love it. My questions is what am I legally able to do? Does a certified teacher have to be in the room when you are in instructing children? Also, is there a UNION for us paras....we get paid very crappy and need more benefits...I tell teachers that here and they say "go get your teaching certificate". Thanks so any and all help.
gelbvieh: It depends on
gelbvieh:
It depends on where you live and work. In California, we have a strong union, the California State Employees Association. And whether or not there must always be a certified teacher in your classroom also depends, but I would think generally yes. It's probably a matter of school district liability if something should happen.
The suggestion to "get your teaching certificate" may be good advice for some but not all. I taught for four years in two states before becoming a paraeducator and I much prefer this. No lesson preparations, no late-night grading, no performing for the principal, and especially no IEP paperwork. Sure, the money is not great, but (in most places) the benefits are. And we get to focus on the kids, just on the kids, without the assorted headaches the teacher gets paid more to put up with.
Richard Finegan
www.thedemandingclassroom.com
Richard Finegan
www.readerswithautism.com
www.thedemandingclassroom.com
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