Teacher Remember our essential questions… What and why? – Appropriate? Professional? Work-related? What they need from me? What do I need from them?
Teacher
Read these quotes from veteran paraeducators regarding the relationship and communication between themselves and the teachers with whom they work. Choose one and write a reflective journal entry about how you could could address the situation.
Quote 1 “My teacher thinks I can read his mind. He never tells me ahead of time what he needs me to do and then if I don’t do something he wanted me to he gets upset.”
Quote 2 “I’d really like to help more with the planning and preparation for the art and sensory centers, but I’m not sure how to bring it up.”
Quote 3 “I went to my teacher for advice on how to deal with a child who has trouble interacting with the other kids on the playground. She said ‘Don’t bring me problems unless you also bring me a solution.’”.
Para-Educator/Teacher Communication 1.Establish a healthy and open relationship 2.Use active listening skills 3.Clarify 4.Reflect 5.Summarize
Teacher Eyes and Ears Capture Key Information and share it in a meaningful/effective manner.
Relaying Information 1.Be concise, logical and sequential. 2.Be factual. 3.Avoid editorial comments or gossip. 4.Listen 5.Ask questions to clarify or assure understanding
Parents and Confidentiality
Parents and FERPA
Conflict Resolution Picture of people disagreeing.
Conflict Resolution Take a moment to review the resource document titled “How do you respond to conflict?” (It’s important to be aware of how you respond so you can recognize those situations and have a plan for addressing the problem. It also helps us be aware of how others might be reacting to a conflict.)