Working With Paraprofessionals
Tina Winrow & John Mouanoutoua Wawona Middle School Fresno Unified School District WinNim CARS+ 2008
Paraeducators: Who are they? An instructional assistant -- not a clerical worker. They come alongside of us to assist us.
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Time to reflect : How do you view your assistant? How do you view your assistant’s role in the classroom? Share out WinNim CARS+ 2008
So What’s Your Situation? 1. New teacher/new aide 2. New teacher/veteran aide 3. Veteran teacher/new aide 4. Veteran teacher/veteran aide 5. Teacher with multiple aides 6. Teacher who lacks control 7. Aide that takes control 8. Aide that wants to be a friend
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New Partnerships -What do they look like? Role confusion Unaware of strengths Undefined goals Absence of norms and rules
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Discovering our unique roles‌
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Role of the Paraeducator Instruct Observe Role model Enforcer Relationship builder Implement teacher’s plan Administers informal tests Parent conferences as needed Shares ideas and carries out assigned WinNim CARS+ 2008
Role of the Educator Plan weekly schedule, lessons Provides leadership Administer and score tests Teaches whole class lesson Determines objectives Gives constructive feedback WinNim CARS+ 2008
Sets expectations Offers support Leads & teaches by example Observes behavior, plans behavior management Meets with parents Assists, observes, models Gives clear directions WinNim CARS+ 2008
Educators’ Point of View: Why do problems occur?
Teachers aren’t sure of what to do
They don’t feel confident in role as supervisors
They don’t know how to give constructive feedback WinNim CARS+ 2008
Unsure of role and duties of assistant
Lack of training
Don’t know how to build schedules for more than one person
Don’t know how to effectively deal with personalities and attitudes of assistants WinNim CARS+ 2008
Paraeducators’ Viewpoint: Why do problems occur?
Not aware of rules, routines, and expectations
Given tasks where they are not comfortable and/or confident
Are treated with disrespect by teacher and students WinNim CARS+ 2008
Treated
with disdain by credentialed staff
Are not treated as professionals
Are not considered part of the team
Feelings are not acknowledged or valued WinNim CARS+ 2008
Are the blind leading the blind? Few university programs prepare teachers to work with other adults in their class.
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The Keys to Success Building and maintaining a positive relationship through:
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Communication
Communication
Communication WinNim CARS+ 2008
“The effective communicator knows that 100 percent communication is highly unlikely and prepares for possible misunderstandings ahead of time.� -- Hamilton and Cordel Communicating for Results
Ways to Communicate: Written Verbal Tone/inflection Non-verbal/body language “I” messages Listening WinNim CARS+ 2008
Levels of Listening • Ignoring: making no effort to
listen •
Pretend: giving the appearance of listening
•
Selective: hearing only the parts that interest you; comparing to your experiences
•
Active: listening and responding to the words, intent, and feelings
Your message is conveyed through: Nonverbal Cues: eye contact, facial expression, body posture and gestures
Vocal Cues: tone, pitch and rate of speech
Verbal Cues: choice of words
Things to be Communicated: Structures and procedures for class Expectations for class and each other Observations of students Responsibilities Ideas, feelings, and concerns Frustrations WinNim CARS+ 2008
Effective Instructions:
Begin with the big picture
Use a minimum number of words
Use understandable terms
Be specific
Use comparisons
Use repetition
Post visual steps
Use good delivery techniques
What is your Communication Style?
Indirect
Aggressive Direct What could you do to make it better? WinNim CARS+ 2008
Communicating Cooperation Confrontational
Cooperative
Absolutes
Flexible
No choice
Choices
Blame
Removes Blame
Encourages similar response
Encourages working together
What Hinders Success? Time to plan Time to share Time for feedback
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“Shared planning time helps paraeducators feel more confident and comfortable in their instructional roles. It helps to build more effective partnerships and more successful programs�. Winrow (2000)
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Time to Reflect: How and where do you find time to communicate? Share Out Lunch, flexibility, come in early 1X/week, breakfast, prep, telephone, email, short notes, journals, suggestion box, comment board
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When there is NO communication ---
Conflicts occur! WinNim CARS+ 2008
Conflicts Occur when. . . Disrespect Misunderstandings Feelings are devalued and/or not acknowledged Mistrust Anger builds Inability to adapt or be flexible WinNim CARS+ 2008
Dealing with Conflicts Recognize there is a problem Identify concerns Admit and accept ownership of the problem Openly discuss all sides and points of views Brainstorm solutions Consensual agreement on decided alternatives Make changes/Adapt to situation WinNim CARS+ 2008
Strategies for Resolving Conflicts Take turns Share Compromise Use humor Seek mediation Postpone until calm Take a chance WinNim CARS+ 2008
Best Practices Discover strengths and build upon them Use “we” not “me”
Participate in meaningful in-services Encourage further trainings Use “we” not “me” Always present a united front WinNim CARS+ 2008
Teacher must model appropriate behavior towards their paraeducators
Teacher must be open to paraeducator’s ideas
Never allow students to call them by their first name
Teacher should be involved in the interview process
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Elements of a Positive Relationship Mutual respect & trust Open communication Shared leadership Supervision with sensitivity Valuing each other as professionals Spending time together WinNim CARS+ 2008
Education Partnership Mutual respect Be supportive Show united front
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Building Partnerships:
They don’t just happen, they evolve
Positive partnerships must be planned and intentional
Must acknowledge others’ viewpoints
Support and encourage each other
Understand personalities, strengths and weaknesses
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Reasons for Burnout: Strained working relationships with teachers and staff Frustration with students and parents Lack of formal training Not being appreciated Negative classroom climate WinNim CARS+ 2008
How to Effectively Utilize your Paraeducator:
Use as an extension of yourself
Use as a co-pilot
Use as a sounding board
Use as a mirror
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United we stand – divided we fall.
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