Do people see paraeducators as part of the educational team? I do. The paraeducators at my son's school work just as hard as the teachers to educate and assist the students.
First of all, I am 66 years young, and I spent my time educating adults in the corporate world for over 40 years, because it paid more than teaching. I never said all teachers, but there are some, who are pure evil, and I ditto some principals. I am talking about not speaking to you. My mother told me, you speak to a dog. We are not going to live forever, and I am glad I respect all people, and I do not care what worldly positions they hold. I am a para for 14 teachers, and I am blessed that 12 are wonderful and the other 2, I dread the day, I have to enter their classroom. Defending myself sends them berserk, so I have turned them over to the assistant principal, who had to educate them on how they are to treat me. It could have got nasty, had I not ignored them. I am blessed to work with new teachers, who ask and copy my mode of working with the children. I have been asked to substitute in classes, and I have told them that I am not certified, nor do I want to be certified. Some days I have the entire class, when the teachers want a day off in and out of their classroom. They have been warned not to do this, and I would never report them, bcause I have my on materials to help educate the students based on what they are teaching and the standards
I have just passed the KPA after studying for several months.---I just happened upon this site and curious about the messages on here, decided to take a look.------Do associates in this field really look down on para-educators?----Everything sounds that way; like everyone looks down on them????----Lynn
Lynn,
I don't believe that ALL teachers look down on paraeducators. When you have a discussion board such as the NRC's you tend to hear from a large number of people that are discontented with their current situation--for whatever reason. I do not feel that is what is happening in the majority of classrooms around the country. I would also say that because teachers are typically not taught in their university classes to supervise other adults in their classrooms, they may be uncomfortable when asked to do so. They are not sure how to delegate responsibilities, how to provide training and corrective feedback when it is needed, etc. Further, brand new teachers frequently encounter paraeducators that have been in schools for 10-15 years with much more experience. This can create a pretty intimidating situation for both the teacher and paraeducator.
When I was a paraeducator I worked side-by-side with a wonderful teacher. We shared many tasks but there were also responsibilities that were hers alone..and rightly so as she had a teaching credential and I did not. Our relationship was built on mutual respect and trust. This relationship had to be built over time and it takes both parties to make it work. One side cannot be undermining the other, regardless of whether it is the teacher or the paraeducator. Informed principals can also help problem solve for teams that are not working well.
I hope your experience in the school system will be positive and that you will take a proactive approach to building a highly effective team. Students definitely benefit when everyone is on the same page.
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
Marilyn
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
In every job,the people who have higher positions and earn more money look down at the others, but I have seen them begging for contributions, when "Murphy" visits. There are staff who look down on each other, and paras have done it to each other, as well as teachers. It is supose to be about the children, and not the childish adults. When you feel you are better than anyone, God has a way to humble you.
Just do your best and the heck with the bullies. I have people who will not speak, and yes I do speak, and pretend they have answered. lol The blessings go to the one, who speaks first. We will all live and die, so let us make the best of our life between the dash. 19XX- 20XX...OK?
Look at the troubles in this world and be thankful that you do not live in some of the horrible spots around the world..
I was a paraeducator for 8 years in two different schools and I can definitely attest that an administration sets the tone of respect for this multipurpose position. Under a previous principal's adminstration I was treated as a member of the team, privy to meetings, updates, comaraderie and encouraged often to pursue professional development. Then, last year a new, inexperienced principal, who was a special education teacher previously, immediately drew a professional line in the sand. She was no longer including the paras, she didn't want to pay for us for attending meetings after school, she was reluctant to cover a day's wage when I requested to attend professional development during a school day. It was constantly "Professional staff only". How ironic that our school spent so much money the previous year on workshops to facilitate harmony within our staff because a few teachers felt they were being treated unfairly. The new principal didn't seem concerned that some of her paras a year later were feeling the same way. We didn't seem to matter. This trickled down to the teachers and influenced their dealings with the paras. I was privy to less and less information, I had to ask what went on at a meeting, I was consulted less and less, my classroom teacher didn't ask how I felt a particular lesson progressed and I felt powerless. I guess I should have realized something was amiss when I asked to see my personal file and she cleared everything out of it, my evaluation from the previous principal, my letters of praise from parents and my certificates of previous professional development that I would soon be laid off. Downsizing was my demise, maybe. I would hope it had nothing to do with my taking a family medical leave. I was devastated! I was given a letter and her quick explanation that there was only one para position open for the next year on the 10th of June. My health insurance would termined on the 30th of June. They also terminated my use of our e-mail program in early July without even a phone call that I would no longer be able to access my personal account. I am reluctant to continue within the field. I was seriously considering continuing my education and become a teacher. I loved my job, and I often meet my former students in public places. They seem genuinely excited to see me and share information about their lives. How can we promote respect for this worthwhile albeit poorly paid position?
Open your own tutoring service. You were their lost. Make lemonade, when life gives you a lemon. Things will be better for you, and they will pay. Get a lawyer also.
Hello Anonymous,
Sorry to hear about your work woes with the school administrator. However, the experiences with the students, parents, and previous school administrator can offer a source of hope to continue within the field. It sounds as if you have a positive influence over the students' lives, and that's what counts in education. All the best to you!
I'm glad you were able to access the CEC standards. It's a good place to start. I also direct the Mild/Moderate Alternative Teacher Preparation Program here at Utah State University. I have 50 people who are in training to be special educators as well. Many of them are paraeducators too. We will have to compare notes.
Let me know if I can help in any way. It can be a real challenge and you need a good support group.
Take care,
Marilyn
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
I came to this post late but still want to weigh in...paraeducators are absolutely part of the educational team. Paraeducators who work in the field of Special Ed. or Title 1 are defined in law as being members of an educational team. But the key to whether or not they are viewed as a team member relies on a number of things. First, are the administrator and other team members aware of what the laws say about paraeducators. If not, it is helpful to find documentation that outlines a paraeducators roles and responsibilities as well as the need to be effectively trained and supervised to do their job.
Second, many teachers in general education as well as special education do not understand what their role is in supervising and working with paraeducators who have been assigned to his/her classroom. In many cases it was not a part of their university training and they need support/training to understand how best to train, delegate responsibilities, and supervise paraeducators.. Sometimes this training is available through state or local resources. If you are working with teachers who do not delegate well or are unsure of how to work with you perhaps seeking additional training for both of you in the area of "teaming" would also help.
Check with your district or state for such resources. if not get back to me and I can share some of the materials you may want to consider.
Good luck with your endeavors. Work smarter not harder to avoid frustration. Help find ways to inform those with whom you work.
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
There are some teachers, who are just bullies, and they know they are being mean and nasty. There are others who are kind and polite, and it is a PLEASURE working WITH them. No amount of training will change an EVIL individual, for they "get off"
being bullies The professionals win the day!
Thank you for your words of encouragement! Currently, I am also a special educator-in-training, and had a wonderful professor who shared information regarding the roles and responsibilites of paraprofessionals
and licensed teachers.
The professor gave us information from the Council for Exceptional Children that has many resources (hope it helps!): http://www.cec.sped.org (can type in "paraeducator or paraprofessional" to access an article)
I am a para in NY and work harder than the teachers do most of the time. I get paid 1/4 what the teachers do and do not get the same respect from principals. It is a thankless job. When will the states realize that what we do is just as important as a teacher. As I see it, a para is just a cheap way of having an teaching assistant in the room.
You are respected by your students, and some adults need to just get over themselves. They are not all of that and a bag of potato chips. I bet when they are begging for money, you are not left out, or gifts for the principal etc. They have more fun raising con games...lol No one can ride your back, unless you bend over.
Be strong...Work a second job for more money or finish school. Just do not look down on anyone. We are the same under God. It is people who like to put us into slots. Live and enjoy life.
let12155@aol.com
I agree we are part of the team and very few administrators realize it, take my word for it when we have to call in sick and there is no such thing as a para/sub they know how much they depend on us. I constantly try to remind paras in my building that is important to dress and act the way you want to be treated. I know it is hard on a para salary, but you have to look and act the part to create the respect you want, be responsible and dependable. I have been in the same school for almost 4 years (since it opened) some days I feel like part of the team and some days I feel like the outsider--save the small celebrations--that is what it is all about and remember why you are there.
Good luck!
Lorrie Thompson
Omaha, NE
How about a sign saying the school loves its paras, and then leave many paras name off the sign, and addressing the paras by first name on the chart, and before the children. One teacher told the children, that I was not a "real" teacher. Why would a 5 years old child care? What is a real teacher? A real teacher is aperson, who can TEACH and the children can LEARN. Degrees and certifications do not make teachers.Teachers are born. I know many certifieds, who are pathetic.
Many teachers need to learn how to dress also,and they have the money. MANY PARAS ATTEND SCHOOL ALSO,AND WE WORK EXTRA JOBS. Good taste in dressing does not always mean money, for I have had teachers borrow money from me. lol
I have had many parents, who want me to open my own private school, and I may do that for childen 4-6. I want toget them before the education system destroys them. Trust me....I know...
I also agree with people who said paraeducators are members of the educational team. However, issues such as a role's status seems to be an obstacle for some members of educational teams (though we try to serve students' interests).
I hope that one day the paras will have a chance to be a part of the education team. They work with the same students that all the other teachers work with. In many ways they work with them more because they are able to have that one on one time. I think that the teachers realize they are important but may not consider them teachers. A para educator is not a certified teacher but they certainly take some roles in the teaching process and are important to the kids and the school.
I agree they should be a part of the educational team.
I have a degree and I would not be a classroom teacher today, if you paid me a million dollars, but I would be a Para for free. I see how "burned out" many class room teachers are teaching the same BORING way each year, with the same BORING materials. I purchase fun and interesting maniputives with my own money, and I get to make learning fun for my students. I change materials every month and every year, and I give my students materials, that I will not be using anymore. I have teachers who are super nice, and I have some who are devils, but I know how to "deal" with whatever way they come to me. lol
I am part of the education team, and I do not need anyone to tell me I am or I am not. The progress of my students gives me the greatest joy, and the shallow adults at my school mean NOTHING to me.
I would tell young paras to do finish your degree, for you can earn more money, but as a retired senior citizen, this is what I love. I was in the corporate world for almost 40 years, so my para income is shared with my students. I love m students, and I am blessed to be an influence in the the lives of our future adults. Be yourself...
I would have to agree. Paras sometimes do more with particular students than regular ed and yet when it comes right down to it everyone is there to say you are ONLY A PARA
Thank you Marilyn.
First of all, I am 66 years young, and I spent my time educating adults in the corporate world for over 40 years, because it paid more than teaching. I never said all teachers, but there are some, who are pure evil, and I ditto some principals. I am talking about not speaking to you. My mother told me, you speak to a dog. We are not going to live forever, and I am glad I respect all people, and I do not care what worldly positions they hold. I am a para for 14 teachers, and I am blessed that 12 are wonderful and the other 2, I dread the day, I have to enter their classroom. Defending myself sends them berserk, so I have turned them over to the assistant principal, who had to educate them on how they are to treat me. It could have got nasty, had I not ignored them. I am blessed to work with new teachers, who ask and copy my mode of working with the children. I have been asked to substitute in classes, and I have told them that I am not certified, nor do I want to be certified. Some days I have the entire class, when the teachers want a day off in and out of their classroom. They have been warned not to do this, and I would never report them, bcause I have my on materials to help educate the students based on what they are teaching and the standards
negative!
I have just passed the KPA after studying for several months.---I just happened upon this site and curious about the messages on here, decided to take a look.------Do associates in this field really look down on para-educators?----Everything sounds that way; like everyone looks down on them????----Lynn
Negative
Lynn,
I don't believe that ALL teachers look down on paraeducators. When you have a discussion board such as the NRC's you tend to hear from a large number of people that are discontented with their current situation--for whatever reason. I do not feel that is what is happening in the majority of classrooms around the country. I would also say that because teachers are typically not taught in their university classes to supervise other adults in their classrooms, they may be uncomfortable when asked to do so. They are not sure how to delegate responsibilities, how to provide training and corrective feedback when it is needed, etc. Further, brand new teachers frequently encounter paraeducators that have been in schools for 10-15 years with much more experience. This can create a pretty intimidating situation for both the teacher and paraeducator.
When I was a paraeducator I worked side-by-side with a wonderful teacher. We shared many tasks but there were also responsibilities that were hers alone..and rightly so as she had a teaching credential and I did not. Our relationship was built on mutual respect and trust. This relationship had to be built over time and it takes both parties to make it work. One side cannot be undermining the other, regardless of whether it is the teacher or the paraeducator. Informed principals can also help problem solve for teams that are not working well.
I hope your experience in the school system will be positive and that you will take a proactive approach to building a highly effective team. Students definitely benefit when everyone is on the same page.
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
Marilyn
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
Lovely words, Marilyn.
Lovely words, Marilyn. However, I do not believe your experience reflects that of most paraprofessionals.
Not all look down.
In every job,the people who have higher positions and earn more money look down at the others, but I have seen them begging for contributions, when "Murphy" visits. There are staff who look down on each other, and paras have done it to each other, as well as teachers. It is supose to be about the children, and not the childish adults. When you feel you are better than anyone, God has a way to humble you.
Just do your best and the heck with the bullies. I have people who will not speak, and yes I do speak, and pretend they have answered. lol The blessings go to the one, who speaks first. We will all live and die, so let us make the best of our life between the dash. 19XX- 20XX...OK?
Look at the troubles in this world and be thankful that you do not live in some of the horrible spots around the world..
Paraeducators as Team Members - Frustration
I was a paraeducator for 8 years in two different schools and I can definitely attest that an administration sets the tone of respect for this multipurpose position. Under a previous principal's adminstration I was treated as a member of the team, privy to meetings, updates, comaraderie and encouraged often to pursue professional development. Then, last year a new, inexperienced principal, who was a special education teacher previously, immediately drew a professional line in the sand. She was no longer including the paras, she didn't want to pay for us for attending meetings after school, she was reluctant to cover a day's wage when I requested to attend professional development during a school day. It was constantly "Professional staff only". How ironic that our school spent so much money the previous year on workshops to facilitate harmony within our staff because a few teachers felt they were being treated unfairly. The new principal didn't seem concerned that some of her paras a year later were feeling the same way. We didn't seem to matter. This trickled down to the teachers and influenced their dealings with the paras. I was privy to less and less information, I had to ask what went on at a meeting, I was consulted less and less, my classroom teacher didn't ask how I felt a particular lesson progressed and I felt powerless. I guess I should have realized something was amiss when I asked to see my personal file and she cleared everything out of it, my evaluation from the previous principal, my letters of praise from parents and my certificates of previous professional development that I would soon be laid off. Downsizing was my demise, maybe. I would hope it had nothing to do with my taking a family medical leave. I was devastated! I was given a letter and her quick explanation that there was only one para position open for the next year on the 10th of June. My health insurance would termined on the 30th of June. They also terminated my use of our e-mail program in early July without even a phone call that I would no longer be able to access my personal account. I am reluctant to continue within the field. I was seriously considering continuing my education and become a teacher. I loved my job, and I often meet my former students in public places. They seem genuinely excited to see me and share information about their lives. How can we promote respect for this worthwhile albeit poorly paid position?
Get another job.
Open your own tutoring service. You were their lost. Make lemonade, when life gives you a lemon. Things will be better for you, and they will pay. Get a lawyer also.
Reply Paraeducators as Team Members - Frustration
Hello Anonymous,
Sorry to hear about your work woes with the school administrator. However, the experiences with the students, parents, and previous school administrator can offer a source of hope to continue within the field. It sounds as if you have a positive influence over the students' lives, and that's what counts in education. All the best to you!
Paraed. as team members- Frustration
I'm glad you were able to access the CEC standards. It's a good place to start. I also direct the Mild/Moderate Alternative Teacher Preparation Program here at Utah State University. I have 50 people who are in training to be special educators as well. Many of them are paraeducators too. We will have to compare notes.
Let me know if I can help in any way. It can be a real challenge and you need a good support group.
Take care,
Marilyn
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
Paraeducators as Team Members-- Frustration
I came to this post late but still want to weigh in...paraeducators are absolutely part of the educational team. Paraeducators who work in the field of Special Ed. or Title 1 are defined in law as being members of an educational team. But the key to whether or not they are viewed as a team member relies on a number of things. First, are the administrator and other team members aware of what the laws say about paraeducators. If not, it is helpful to find documentation that outlines a paraeducators roles and responsibilities as well as the need to be effectively trained and supervised to do their job.
Second, many teachers in general education as well as special education do not understand what their role is in supervising and working with paraeducators who have been assigned to his/her classroom. In many cases it was not a part of their university training and they need support/training to understand how best to train, delegate responsibilities, and supervise paraeducators.. Sometimes this training is available through state or local resources. If you are working with teachers who do not delegate well or are unsure of how to work with you perhaps seeking additional training for both of you in the area of "teaming" would also help.
Check with your district or state for such resources. if not get back to me and I can share some of the materials you may want to consider.
Good luck with your endeavors. Work smarter not harder to avoid frustration. Help find ways to inform those with whom you work.
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
Marilyn Likins
Co-director, NRCP
6526 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-6526
Bullies vs Professionals.
There are some teachers, who are just bullies, and they know they are being mean and nasty. There are others who are kind and polite, and it is a PLEASURE working WITH them. No amount of training will change an EVIL individual, for they "get off"
being bullies The professionals win the day!
Paraeducators as Team Members- Frustration
Hello Marilyn,
Thank you for your words of encouragement! Currently, I am also a special educator-in-training, and had a wonderful professor who shared information regarding the roles and responsibilites of paraprofessionals
and licensed teachers.
The professor gave us information from the Council for Exceptional Children that has many resources (hope it helps!):
http://www.cec.sped.org (can type in "paraeducator or paraprofessional" to access an article)
Paras
I am a para in NY and work harder than the teachers do most of the time. I get paid 1/4 what the teachers do and do not get the same respect from principals. It is a thankless job. When will the states realize that what we do is just as important as a teacher. As I see it, a para is just a cheap way of having an teaching assistant in the room.
Respect.
You are respected by your students, and some adults need to just get over themselves. They are not all of that and a bag of potato chips. I bet when they are begging for money, you are not left out, or gifts for the principal etc. They have more fun raising con games...lol No one can ride your back, unless you bend over.
Be strong...Work a second job for more money or finish school. Just do not look down on anyone. We are the same under God. It is people who like to put us into slots. Live and enjoy life.
frustrations
let12155@aol.com
I agree we are part of the team and very few administrators realize it, take my word for it when we have to call in sick and there is no such thing as a para/sub they know how much they depend on us. I constantly try to remind paras in my building that is important to dress and act the way you want to be treated. I know it is hard on a para salary, but you have to look and act the part to create the respect you want, be responsible and dependable. I have been in the same school for almost 4 years (since it opened) some days I feel like part of the team and some days I feel like the outsider--save the small celebrations--that is what it is all about and remember why you are there.
Good luck!
Lorrie Thompson
Omaha, NE
let12155@aol.com
Outsider.
How about a sign saying the school loves its paras, and then leave many paras name off the sign, and addressing the paras by first name on the chart, and before the children. One teacher told the children, that I was not a "real" teacher. Why would a 5 years old child care? What is a real teacher? A real teacher is aperson, who can TEACH and the children can LEARN. Degrees and certifications do not make teachers.Teachers are born. I know many certifieds, who are pathetic.
Many teachers need to learn how to dress also,and they have the money. MANY PARAS ATTEND SCHOOL ALSO,AND WE WORK EXTRA JOBS. Good taste in dressing does not always mean money, for I have had teachers borrow money from me. lol
I have had many parents, who want me to open my own private school, and I may do that for childen 4-6. I want toget them before the education system destroys them. Trust me....I know...
Frustrations
I also agree with people who said paraeducators are members of the educational team. However, issues such as a role's status seems to be an obstacle for some members of educational teams (though we try to serve students' interests).
i agree with you...frustrations
I hope that one day the paras will have a chance to be a part of the education team. They work with the same students that all the other teachers work with. In many ways they work with them more because they are able to have that one on one time. I think that the teachers realize they are important but may not consider them teachers. A para educator is not a certified teacher but they certainly take some roles in the teaching process and are important to the kids and the school.
I agree they should be a part of the educational team.
Be yourself.
I have a degree and I would not be a classroom teacher today, if you paid me a million dollars, but I would be a Para for free. I see how "burned out" many class room teachers are teaching the same BORING way each year, with the same BORING materials. I purchase fun and interesting maniputives with my own money, and I get to make learning fun for my students. I change materials every month and every year, and I give my students materials, that I will not be using anymore. I have teachers who are super nice, and I have some who are devils, but I know how to "deal" with whatever way they come to me. lol
I am part of the education team, and I do not need anyone to tell me I am or I am not. The progress of my students gives me the greatest joy, and the shallow adults at my school mean NOTHING to me.
I would tell young paras to do finish your degree, for you can earn more money, but as a retired senior citizen, this is what I love. I was in the corporate world for almost 40 years, so my para income is shared with my students. I love m students, and I am blessed to be an influence in the the lives of our future adults. Be yourself...
frustrations
I would have to agree. Paras sometimes do more with particular students than regular ed and yet when it comes right down to it everyone is there to say you are ONLY A PARA
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