Pennsylvania Paraprofessional Resources

I would like to hear from anyone who is in the process of negotiating a contract or has recenly negotiated one. We could use some help and ideas!

Hello, can someone direct me please. I live in carbon county PA and I want to take the para prof. assessment test. I do not have a degree to teach, I just want to apply for a teachers assistant in my district and I am told that it helps to have passed this test. I have searched online and can't find out exactly where I need to go to take this test, who I need to contact, etc. If anyone in Pa could direct me I would really appreciate it. Maybe even email me privately with a link that may be helpful for me.Thanks so much.....Jo
lorenzoandjo@verizon.net

I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT LAST YEAR THE PARAS IN MY SCHOOL WORKED AS SUBSTITUES AND TEACHERS. I PERSONALLY WAS IN A ANOTHER ROOM TEACHING 3 STUDENTS. SINCE THESE WERE SPECIAL ED STUDENTS I HAD TO MAKE ACCOMADATIONS FOR THEM. I WAS NOT GETTING PAID EXTRA FOR DOING THIS. THIS GOES ON A LOT AT MY SCHOOL. THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE WANT US TO DO EVERYTHING BUT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY US FOR IT.

What do most teacher aides do in the summer months when they do not have employment at the school? I just started working at the school and was concerned as to what I would do for income. Any input is helpful.

Does anyone know if there is a state law restricted the length of years that a paraprofessional can be with a student? I started with this student in K and her parents are concerned that I will not continue with her. A new employee has stated to several people that there is a state law preventing me from continuing as her aide. I have researched everywhere I can think of and can find nothing...let me know your thoughts.

We recently had a few students transferred to our school who require catheterization. There is an aide in the classroom who performs these and has to do them about four times a day. She is only classified as a Learning support classroom aide and was only given about one hours worth of training for this. Our school district is telling her that it is NOT a medical procedure and sterilization is not required and she has to do it or lose her job.

Hi, my name is Terri, I have just completed the Paraprofessional Training Course, and the school where I work at now as "The Baker" had a job posted for a Paraprofessional until July 3rd. I am expecting to get a call for an interview soon. What questions should I expect to be asked? What would be good questions for me to ask? Any other help, ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!