We are currently accepting Call For Papers for our 2013 conference. Please visit the Call for Papers section under the Conference tab. LAST YEAR’S BREAK-OUT SESSIONS: A Toolbox Full of Essentials Needed for a Sucessful Mentor Program Kristen Heiser Assisting with Early Literacy Instruction Ana Pomar, Betty Ashbaker Building Working Relationships as an Effective … Read more
In part 1 of our review of the paraeducator training results we went over how many of you have paraeducator training in your state or district and who provides that training. Here are the rest of the results from the survey: How many hours of paraeducator training are available per year? 36.3% of survey respondents … Read more
First of all, thank you to everyone who filled out the survey on paraeducator training in our recent newsletter! There were lots of responses and we gathered some great data, the first part of that data is summarized below: Do you have paraeducator training in your state? 53.1% Answered Yes 46.9% Answered No Who provides … Read more
By Anna Lou Pickett THE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER IS CHANGING ITS NAME.During the latter half of the 20th century, several events took place that led to dramatic changes in our nation’s schools. To address critical shortages in the ranks of licensed teachers that began in the 1950s, a few schools began to employ “teacher aides” … Read more
Story submitted by Taya Johnson, Behavior Specialist, Davis Special Education Department Do you have a story to share? Ask almost anyone in the Davis School District if they are aware of a team of Paraeducators who appears to have super-human powers for working with behaviorally challenging students and you will be told, “Yes!” The job … Read more
There are now over 25 presentations we have received and posted on our site from the 2011 National Conference. If you missed the conference or would like to back and review some of the sessions they are available here.
Keyed In, Logged On, Charged Up! Paraprofessionals Connecting with 21st Century Learners The conference started off this morning with the opening keynote address from Marilyn Likins and Gina R. Scala. Gina talked about knewly revised Knowledge & Skill Standards for Paraprofessionals from CEC (coming soon) and the importance of being involved in legislative issues. Gina challenged … Read more
The Demanding Classroom is a blog run by husband and wife team Sara and Richard Finegan and they have put together a great series of posts on paraprofessionals. You can view all of their paraeducator posts at this site, a few of which are highlighted below: What Are 10 Things a Paraeducator Can Do To … Read more
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 … Read more
We recently came across a couple of stressful accounts from paras of their first day back from school: I’m a paraeducator for children. Today was our first day. I am praying for patience. Not with the kids. The kids are great. My stress levels are so high after this morning, that I have a horrible … Read more