Pennsylvania provides the following supports for Supervising Volunteers and Paraprofessionals:

• Professional Learning Exchange Advisory - What You Should Consider As A Newly Hired Paraprofessional
• PaTTAN Videos Series with supporting slides: Considerations for Administrators in Supporting and Supervising Special Education Paraprofessionals
  • Part 1 - Introduction (Run Time 17:30)
  • Part 2 - Laws, Regulations and Standards Related to Paraprofessionals (Run Time 25:15)
  • Part 3 - Supervision, Policies, Team Roles and Ethical Considerations (Run Time 25:56)
  • Part 4 - When and How We Use Paraprofessionals (Run Time 42:27)

The  role of volunteers and paraprofessionals is an important one to teachers and students alike. Unfortunately, not all volunteers and paraprofessionals (sometimes referred to as paraeducators) are utilized effectively and efficiently.  Clearly defined roles, standards, and guidelines should be discussed and agreed upon by all parties in order to ensure that all involved are working together to support student achievement.  Teachers often envision the responsibilities of volunteers and paraprofessionals extending beyond the classroom.  Rather than simply pushing into the classroom to assist one student or a small group of students, this additional cadre of adults can become an important support within the classroom and educational team.  The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA) both recognize the importance of paraprofessionals in a smoothly functioning classroom. Read the following articles that address a variety of paraeducators.

• Getting Educated: Paraeducators

In order to tap into the volunteers’ and paraprofessionals’ unique skills and presence, appropriate supports and supervision must be present.  A comprehensive job description will help to ensure that the responsibilities of the adults in the classroom community are known and that the team functions as a well-oiled machine where each is essential to addressing student needs and benefits.  The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals (NRCP) slideshare, “Supporting Paraprofessionals: A District's Journey from Action Plan to Handbook Development” discusses the development, strengths, and challenges of attempting such a task.

Many teachers are also unaware of the skills, knowledge, laws, and training involved by this segment of the educational team.  Scan these resources to get a glimpse of what it takes to work successfully with your paraprofessional.

• Ten things every paraprofessional wishes you knew!
• PTC School Paraprofessional (Run Time 3:00)
• Anna Lou Pickett (Run Time 2:24)

Finding resources and training opportunities to gain the understanding and knowledge for supervising paraeducators can be difficult.  Check out the following resources and find a training or conference near you!

• NRCP: Information on the National Conference - This national site provides a resource center for paraprofessionals and includes a library, conference highlights, training sessions, and more.
• National Clearinghouse for Paraeducator Resources - This site provides a national clearinghouse of resources for paraeducators.

According to this CDC Data and Statistics report, the prevalence of autism has been on the rise for over a decade.  Paraprofessional support is crucial in the development of this student and his classmates.  Now watch “EACA Paraeducator Video” (Run Time 7:30) which shares communication strategies and tips paraprofessionals can use to encourage, engage, and support autistic students. Which strategies can be applied to all students?

It is common for teachers to be hesitant to have others in their classroom. The paraeducator-teacher relationship has both benefits and challenges; sharing classroom space can feel almost  marriage-like as you both work toward student learning goals.  Read through “12 Ways to Improve and Enhance Your Paraprofessional- Teacher Experience” for tips on improving communication and relationship with your paraprofessional.