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.

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

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.

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

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

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?