Paraprofessional News

Diane Sangelo worked with Rago Blair's son Isaac Rago from grade school all the way up through high school. She developed a special bond with Isaac over the years as she helped him to go from a wheelchair to walking on his own and learning basic sign language to communicate. Her devotion has extended beyond the classroom, spending time with Isaac on weekends and even taking him to summer camp.

One of the most popular posts on our site is a discussion started by a para from Sioux City, Iowa asking what paraeducators make in different states. The 100 replies to that question show that there is a lot of interest in that area. If you enjoyed that discussion you will likely also appreciate a recent article titled The Paraeducator Dilemma about paraeducators in Yakima, Washington fighting for a living wage.

The entire article provides a great overview of the work that paraeducators do and some of the struggles that they face. Here are a few quotes to whet your appetite:

From Heidi Mann:

"At MLK, the teachers treat us like equals," Mann says. "We're not saying we are equal to them. But I'd say we're at least worth half of what they make."

Introduction to a great article by Richard Finegan:

I have a degree in journalism, a law degree, and am only a few hours short of being certified as a mild-moderate special education teacher. So why am I working as a para-educator/classroom aide?

His answer?

Here are a few paraprofessional news and views from around the Internet:

Thirteen Things I Enjoy About my Job

A paraeducator with a blog shares thirteen things that she likes about her job, including #5:

The job is challenging. I need to be a detective of sorts, trying to figure out, with the guidance of the classroom teachers and the Special Ed teacher, the best way to help our young people succeed.

Here is a little bit about Becky Auger from the article:

"Becky represents the professionalism and dedication that all educators demonstrate daily in our state's excellent public schools," said Vermont-NEA President Angelo Dorta. "I and the members of Vermont-NEA are extremely proud of her achievement."

Auger is one of three paraeducators who lead the school's literacy program, which began in 2006.

She also heads two major school projects that help foster a sense of community at Moretown – she catalogs photographs of students as they grow up and she directs the school's annual field day.

Congratulations to Moretown paraeducator