It’s no secret that paraprofessionals play a pivotal role in the educational ecosystem. They’re often our unsung heroes within schools. They provide invaluable support to teachers, assist in classroom management, offer specialized attention to students with diverse needs, and contribute significantly to the school community’s overall health day to day functioning. However, despite their crucial role, paraprofessionals frequently face challenges that stem from a lack of support, recognition, and opportunities for professional growth. As teachers and school leaders, it’s essential that we advocate for and implement strategies that support paraprofessionals, ensuring they feel valued and have pathways for development. Here are three ideas to start this important work.
1. Professional Development and Training Opportunities
One of the most impactful ways to support paraprofessionals is by providing access to professional development and training opportunities. Just like teachers, paraprofessionals benefit greatly from ongoing education that helps them stay current with best practices, learn new strategies for student engagement, and understand the latest research in education and special education. However, it’s not uncommon for these opportunities to be almost exclusively targeted at teaching staff, leaving paraprofessionals out of the loop.
School leaders and teachers can advocate for and create inclusive professional development programs that cater to the needs and roles of paraprofessionals. This can include workshops on classroom management techniques, sessions on specific educational technologies, or PDs that support students with special needs. Additionally, providing access to online courses or webinars can offer flexibility to support paraprofessionals who might juggle multiple responsibilities or who wish to advance their education at their own pace.
I created some really targeted and specific workbooks for paraprofessionals that can be used for PD days, new hire groups, team building, or whatever may come up as time when we can specifically support paraprofessionals. In my experience, I have found that some of the most left out groups of paras are those who work with students that have challenging behaviors. Building that toolbox is hard, and many paraprofessionals have learned their skills from on the job training and have gotten really strong in this area! That’s why these workbooks include a very rich reflection component. This allows for strong dialogue and collaboration to occur among groups so that professionals in like situations can learn and grow from each other!
Try these workbooks!
This workbook is designed to support paraprofessionals who work alongside students with challenging behaviors. Have paras who need support in working with students with ADHD? This workbook helps build and reflect on the unique skills needed to succeed with students having this profile. Just looking for behavioral strategies to encourage positive outcomes like work initiation and relationship building? Try this manual of behavioral strategies for teachers and paraprofessionals!
Creating a culture of learning that includes paraprofessionals not only enhances their skills and knowledge but also boosts morale and fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation within the school community. When paraprofessionals are given the tools and opportunities to grow professionally, they can perform their roles more effectively, leading to improved outcomes for students and naturally, greater job satisfaction.
2. Recognition and Inclusion in Decision-Making
Another critical area where paraprofessionals often feel overlooked is in their recognition and inclusion in decision-making processes within schools. Despite their close work with students and teachers, paraprofessionals can sometimes be left out of important conversations and decisions that affect the classroom and student learning.
Teachers and school leaders can take intentional steps to ensure that paraprofessionals are recognized for their contributions and included in relevant decision-making processes. This can start with simple acts of acknowledgment, such as mentioning their achievements in staff meetings, celebrating their successes in school newsletters, or including them in parent-teacher conferences to discuss the progress of students they support.
Beyond recognition, actively involving paraprofessionals in planning sessions, curriculum development meetings, and school improvement initiatives can empower them and leverage their unique insights and experiences. Their frontline perspective can provide valuable input on student needs, classroom dynamics, and effective support strategies. This over all supports the decision-making process and fostering a more inclusive and collaborative school culture.
3. Make Self Care and Break Time a Non-Negotiable
I don’t know about you, but I frequently see that some of the hardest working individuals in schools are our paraprofessionals. While recognition is so beneficial, we also NEED to ensure they get the breaks and care they deserve! Ensuring they have adequate and frequent breaks, that their needs are considered when our buildings are short staffed and stretched thin, and that we acknowledge all the ways they step in the gaps around the school. At my school, we often have appreciation lunches where certified staff members sign up to take lunch and recess duties so the paraprofessionals can have a longer, relaxed lunch (often with treats baked by staff members). This not only helps them feel cared for and seen, but allows others to step into their shoes for a moment in time to see what some of their experiences are like. This is a powerful exercise for everyone!
When We Support Paraprofessionals, We Support the Whole Community!
Supporting our paraprofessionals is not just a matter of policy—it’s a practice of acknowledging their worth and ensuring they have the tools, opportunities, and recognition they deserve. By focusing on professional development and inclusive decision-making, we can create a nurturing environment that values all members of the school community. This, in turn, makes our schools more equitable, effective, and supportive for every stakeholder, especially our students.
