Para News Roundup

It’s been awhile since we’ve done a roundup of para news…

About.com Answers a Very Important Question

Under ideal circumstances, having a certified, enthusiastic, well-prepared paraprofessional can make an enormous difference in the efficiency of your child’s classroom and the implementation of your child’s IEP.

What is a Paraprofessional?

Are you a Paraprofessional Expert?

Think you know a few things about paraeducators? Why not take a few minutes to help some people with questions. Yahoo Answers is the largest question and answer site out there with lots great questions and answers: What’s the dfference of a teacher aide and a teacher assistant? Where is the best place to find … Read more

Welcome Back to School!

Last year, we posted a popular inspirational video of Dalton Sherman, a young man who reminded educators, “We need you now more than ever.” I don’t know if that video can be matched, but here are a few more to help you get excited about a new school year: Taylor Mali answers the question, “What … Read more

Educating the Whole Child with 21st Century Skills

Linda Mariotti was our keynote speaker this morning and gave a wonderful presentation titled, “Educating the Whole Child with 21st Century Skills” Educating the Whole Child for the 21st Century She discussed the differences between digital immigrants and digital natives and contrasted the skills of 20th century educators with those needed by 21st century educators. … Read more

Paraeducators in China

Meet Jessica Dai (parent of a child with autism), Larissa Feng (social worker) and Sophie Xie (special educator), pioneers in promoting the important work of paraprofessionals in China. Their presentation was highlight of the State Leadership Meeting last night. They told us about two organizations- the Childrens Palace and the Special Parents Club in Guangzhou … Read more

State Leadership Meeting Review

The conference had begun and last tonight leaders from all over the country and world gathered here in Salt Lake City to discuss successes and challenges in their own states and countries, including three visitors from China. The last half of the meeting was spent going around the room to hear about good things that … Read more

Conference Update

Early Bird Registration Ending Soon! If you are planning on attending this year’s conference, be sure to register before Friday, February 28th to take advantage of the discounted early bird rates. Conference Registration Conference Lunch Forums New this year, the National Resource Center is hosting three lunch forums during the conference. These will occur during … Read more

Betty Montgomery

Betty Montgomery, Staff Development Specialist and Executive Vice-President of the SEIU Local 500 discusses paraprofessionals and why she enjoys attending the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals Conference: Thanks Betty! 2009 Conference Information

Paraeducator on Survivor

If you are looking for someone to cheer for on the television show Survivor this season, consider throwing your support behind Susie Smith. Her official bio lists her occupation as a hairdresser, but in an article titled, ‘Survivor’ mom back in Iowa from Gabon we learn that Susie is a paraeducator in a resource room … Read more