7 minute read
Meet School Staff Members: Paraprofessionals
Cultural Bridges (CB): Please tell me a little about your paraprofessional position and what you do on a day-today basis.
Jennifer Khumalo (JK): I am an LRCI (Learning Resource Center 1) paraprofessional 1:1. I work one-onone with a student receiving special education services to help promote and support a safe and positive learning environment. I collaborate under the supervision of the general education classroom teacher, the special education teacher, and the student's therapy team to provide oneon-one instructional and behavioral support, ensuring the student can access their education and reach their full potential.
Raine Zhu (RZ): As an LRC1 (Learning Resource Center 1) and general paraprofessional at Pine Lake Middle School, my primary job duty is to support educational activities within the school or related learning environment.
My specific duties associated with my position for a typical day include:
Assisting with preparing instructional materials or tasks. For example, copying, scanning, and laminating study materials.
Helping students with tasks, e.g., adapting instructional materials, cleaning work areas, checking homework, grading papers, etc.
Helping to motivate students when they are stuck, and helping students through things they can’t easily do.
Implementing and supporting instructional/behavioral programs planned by teachers; providing instruction to groups of students or on a one-to-one basis.
Collecting and recording data on student performance.
Supervising student transitions to and from classrooms, fire drills, other school activities, the community, or work sites as appropriate. Like Crosswalk duty.
Day-to-day responsibilities can vary. Some general para duties also include monitoring individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g., field trips, library, lunchroom, bus loading/unloading, etc.) to provide a safe and positive learning environment. In summary, paras typically collaboratively with teachers, students, and other school staff to create a positive and productive learning experience.
CB: What is the biggest challenge for you to be a paraprofessional at school? Why?
JK: Work/life balance is the biggest challenge for me as a paraprofessional. As a mom, I am always worrying about my own kids and brainstorming ways to support their success. I take the same approach with the kids I work with at school, so it’s hard to turn off my brain when I leave work; it just wants to keep brainstorming what I can do to help the students I work with be more successful.
RZ: Like other jobs, as a para, we will inevitably face various challenges related to the responsibilities. Emotional and Behavioral challenges are the most common ones. Paras must be prepared to provide strategic support and keep calm and patient when working with students who have emotional or behavioral challenges. But the most challenging part for me is balancing the teacher's and students’ expectations.
Communication and coordination are essential. It can be challenging to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding student goals and strategies. Effective collaboration with classroom teachers, special education staff, school administration, and other paras will help through that.
CB: What is the most grateful thing you want to share as a paraprofessional?
JK: I'm thankful for the teachers I've had the chance to work with thus far. They've been more than just colleagues; they've been mentors who've shared a ton of wisdom and encouragement. Learning from them has been a big part of my professional growth, and I appreciate the supportive environment they have created, not only for their students, but for me as well. Their guidance has not only shaped how I approach education but also made the whole experience more enriching. It's about more than just the job; it's about building a collaborative community, and I'm grateful for the positive impact they've had on me and the students I work with.
RZ: I can share what many paraprofessionals often find grateful for, such as helping students succeed, having a chance to contribute to a positive learning atmosphere, supporting teachers, and making a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of students. Witnessing these students make progress and achieve their goals can be deeply gratifying.
For me, one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a para is personal growth and healing. Working as a para provides opportunities for my personal and professional growth. The experience gained is valuable for people like me who are considering a career in education or related fields. The sense of belonging to Pine Lake Middle School as an integral part of the educational team and contributing to the nurturing environment of the community is really healing. This process is a kind of purification and nourishment of the soul.
CB: Currently, the District still needs more paraprofessionals. Are there any suggestions or advice you could give to the people who want to apply for this position?
JK: Even if you're not coming in with an education background, just go for it—I did! If you're not fully qualified immediately, don't worry; you’ll catch on very quickly on the job. We're all in the learning game, both students and teachers, so you'll fit right in. Plus, there's so much variety in the tasks you can dive into—you're sure to find something you enjoy, making it both a fulfilling and impactful experience.
RZ: For individuals who want to become paraprofessionals, here are some friendly suggestions. You can take the following steps to determine if you are qualified and pursue this role, even if you have doubts.
Research the role and read the job description: Start by learning more about the role of a paraprofessional. Understand the responsibilities, challenges, educational requirements, and assess your skills and qualities.
Gain experience by volunteering or working as a substitute para if you have no prior experience in education. This can help you determine if it's the right career path for you and make you more competitive when applying for permanent positions.
Connect with paraprofessionals and educators in your community. They can provide valuable insights and advice on getting started in the field.
CB: Please share with us a little bit about yourself outside your work.
JK: My name is Jennifer Khumalo. I grew up in Hood River, OR. After graduating high school, I attended Umpqua Community College on a volleyball scholarship for one year before moving to Corvallis, OR, to attend Oregon State University. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a minor in Spanish, which included living abroad for three months in Santander, Spain. After graduating from college, I secured a job as a Travel Consultant, matching clients with their dream vacations, where I worked for over 13 years. I have already been able to visit four of the seven continents (Asia, Africa, North America, and Europe) and hope to someday visit them all. I am married and have two children, ages 9 and 7, and a golden retriever named Lulu. We live in Renton Highlands, just down the street from the school I work and the school my children attend. When I am not at work, you can find me transporting the kids to cheerleading, soccer, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, and/ or flag football. You may even see me as a volunteer coach of one of my kids’ teams or at a PTA meeting, as I am on the PTA Board for our school. I love traveling, cooking, outdoor adventures, party planning, volleyball, all things Harry Potter, and spending quality time with friends and family. I started my career in education as an emergency substitute teacher and paraprofessional, before becoming an LRCI Paraprofessional. I am now going back to school, starting in December 2023, to work towards obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education at WGU.
RZ: Outside of my work, I like painting and calligraphy. Students also love sharing their work with me. I love the feeling of living in harmony with other creatures in nature. I have a hamster, a guinea pig, dozens of goldfish, and just adopted a dog. I also enjoy participating in many community activities and volunteer services related to art, culture, and education.
