Training opportunities

We've negotiated into our contract 10 hours training hours. In other words, we can attend training and be paid to be there. We're also sometimes included during teacher workshop days. Sometimes we'll have our own training. It's been a long, hard push to get here, though. The first big step is to make sure you have representation on your school's staff development committee. We also had to convince some of our own members of the importance and advantages of more training. We made huge strides after we organized a workshop for ourselves on our own. We found that many teachers and specialists were behind us and offered their expertise for the day. And then we made sure that it was well attended. Our superintendnt stopped by, and since then we have lots and lots more opportunities over and above our 10 paid hours. We've attended national conferences in Georgia and Alabama. In May several of us will be at the NRCP Conference in the Twin Cities (MN)We've been at the Minnesota state para conference, had tech colleges bring evening classes to us, attended all-day district training designed specifically for paras, have had lots of workshops and training brought to our schools during workshop days, and are included in pre-school year activities so that we have time to read IEPs, etc. I can't remember everything...... Are you looking for ideas for workshops and/or classes? Jeanne

I have to agree with Jeanne. Training is available if you push, push, push. It's been my experience that you have to push your members as much or more as your administration. We are an association w/ 120 paras. We have begged, pleaded and bargained Professional development. We were able to get 21 hours per year in addition to teacher inservice days. Our additional hours are on non student contact days, such as conferences. We used the line" You woldn't ask a carpenter to build a house without tools. Professional Development is a tool we need to do our jobs." We plan and present our own workshops with the approval of the Curriculum Director. You may be able to find assistance from your state association if you are affiliated with one. Mine has a Training Cadre, available to present sessions. Also, we have been inserviced by the Department of Proctective Services for Children, the County Prosecutor's office on Bully-proofing schools, many of our teachers present on instruction techniques, Many of my members are funded by Title 1. There is money available in Title 1 for inservice. Also, our district's liability carrier has a video library available w// tapes on recess supervision. In Michigan, we have county Intermeddiate districts who suppport all the districts in the coounty. They have materials and presenters available. Many of these are at no charge to the district. I hope all this helps. ninab

Ninabo, I am from Michigan also and I am having a hard time finding anything positive top work with for our paras. You said that there are videos and speakers-------where do I call? Also the MEA declared that they are not in support of para certification? Who do you work with------Help!!! Linda

I've gotten a lot of assistance from the MEA. You can get presenters from them through the Training Cadre. There is no cost, subjects such as Stress Management, Dealing with Difficult People are just a couple. We have been able to borrow video tapes from our Liability carrier, Middle Cities Education Association. Your district may not be part of this, check with your financial office on this. Also, we had presenters from the county Prosecutor's office, Bullyproofing your Schools. And from Child Protective Services, on Staff Responsibility in regard to suspected abuse and neglect. We use district staff to present in their area of specialty. After a great deal of begging, the district has funded several speakers from outside our area. Also, we had presenters from area mental health services, speaking on Managing Student Behavior. We've also been working with our county Intermediate district and 2 local colleges. We have been presenting sessions to assist paras in the county discover all their options under the new legislation. I hope these are suggestions. Feel free to email me again if I can be of some help! Ninab

I would like to find out if there is training availiable for those of us out here in Dorothy's land (Kansas). Is there training that can be taken on the internet? How do you find out about state and national conferences? Nothing came down the ladder to us from our Sped office. :cry: I would have loved to have been to the one in MN. Anyone willing to share some of the information that you received? Thanks

Hi again brlrdr3, (I'm sorry to post this reply in two locations on this bulletin board but it might help someone with a similar question as yours.) Marilyn Likins, our NRCP Co-director, informed me today that the NRCP will begin this summer to post information about next year's national conference in California. 8) ALSO, the NRCP is excited about a new resource that many will find useful. In the future, the NRCP will provide the current status of paraprofessional developement by state. This resource will provide a comprehensive list of: (1) State para conferences (2) Standards (3) Certifications (4) State para organization Web addresses, and (5) Who to contact for paraprofessional concerns by state. WOW! 8O Hopfully this upcoming resource will provide you with the information you're searching for. Stay tuned. Douglas NRCP Staff

Hi, I was wondering if there is anybody out who knows if there is any training courses out for California. I have read that many districts in other States have their own training. If there is let me Know. Thanks, Kim