FRUSTRATIONS~How to get sped teacher to work w/ student I'm assigned to

This is the second year with same student and same special education teacher. We are in the SCI room for half the day and the teacher rarely if ever finds time to work 1-1 with this student. Teacher does have a heavy caseload and my student is not the only one being neglected. There seems to be an ”unwritten rule” that if the student has a para then that student doesn’t need 1-1 time with the sped teacher.
If I keep persisting the teacher will find time for her, but why must I always be the one initiating what I feel should be an every day occurrence or at least a once a week occurrence. I have volunteered to help the small groups she assists so she has time to be with her. I let the teacher know I’m willing and able to do that. But it’s like I’m ignored or it’s forgotten.

Last year my student did not get much attention from the general education teacher either. In a meeting with both my principal and SCI teacher I stated the fact that this student was becoming very dependent on me and that the her other teachers hardly ever made contact with her. (The student and her prior para were quite exclusive, not good for either 1, but I understand why now) I also told him that the teacher and I had no time to meet and discuss adaptaions,etc.. I reminded him of this fact at the beginning of the year. So far nothing has changed.

This year my student has an AAC and “we” go out of our way to initiate conversation.
I’ve asked her new teacher to include her in on reading as we can program that into the AAC, but as of yet it hasn’t happened! And again it will be up to me to remind her to do so! The teacher is new to this grade level and is overwhelmed, but I am overwhelmed as well.

Man I hate to sound bitter and disappointed but how can I get this changed around so I don’t feel like I am the sole provider of education to this special needs student.

I am a state of Iowa certified para level 2 and have been in the business over 13 years and I just want to throw in the towel. I see so many things wrong with the system, rules not followed, ethics getting twisted, IEPS that aren't worth the paper they are written on and don't get me started on the papers that "pass" as contracts of employment for Paraeducators! This is the 2nd district I've been in. The 1st one had problems too, but as I and other paras brought issues up at least most of them got resolved eventually.
I am in my fourth year here and it's as if, . , , that's the way it is here and we ain't changin'

Thanks for allowing me to rant. BUT I AM LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS! Any ideas on what might work!


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