Announcements and Rules Everything here is confidential. We will be discussing personal characteristics. We need to feel safe in being honest about ourselves and others. If you feel that you will need food before the class ends, you are welcome to bring dinner or snacks. It is important for us to leave the room clean and orderly when we leave. We will need to wipe tables, throw away our trash, and put the chairs and tables back in place. You are expected to attend class unless there is a dire emergency. This is a discussion and sharing class and if you are not here, your colleagues will not get the benefit of your comments and you will miss theirs. It is the policy of WCC that each person must attend at least 80% of the classes to successfully complete this class.

You will complete a journal entry each class period. These entries are for you. They are to help you remember --what we have talked about, --what we have discussed that you have previous experience or knowledge of, --questions you may want to think about or bring up in class Please feel free to get up and stand, walk, or stretch whenever you need to. If you need a break before we take one (about 7:00), please take the break!

Working conditions Paraeducators in the Schools

Do you sometimes feel as if your working conditions are not the best available? Paraeducator lounge

Is There a Hierarchy in Your Classroom and School?

Approaches to Working Together. PYRAMID: centralized control at a managerial level; Responsibilities delegated by the manager PARTICIPITORY: teacher and paraeducator contribute in decision making SITUATIONAL: responsibilities may be delegated so that team members assume management for tasks depending on their skills, interests, and abilities

Is Everything Always Organized? Yeah, right. Teaching is not easy!!!!!!! Working in the same room with a colleague is not easy!!!!! Which person is more organized and what will be easier to handle?

Working with others Several working styles are evident in many schools and other jobs. There are many of these lists and none are exhaustive or exclusive

The Warrior Typical characteristics Has high expectation for self and others Appears ambitious and independent Avoids showing emotion Thrives on control and power Considers options when making decisions How to work with a “warrior.”

The cheerleader Enjoys people Loves enthusiasm Moves constantly Used open body language and talks with people Enjoys a flexible work environment How do we work with a cheerleader?

The Lamb Believes in always being nice to people Avoids conflict at all costs to avoid stress Listens effectively Not a risk taker Goes along with others Prefers implementing to planning How can we work with a lamb?

The Human Computer Appears clean and technical Prefers planning to implementing Expresses oneself with little emotion Organizes work systematically May avoid eye contact How can we work with a human computer?

Working Relationships Stand up and find someone who does not work in your school Take two minutes and describe the best teacher you ever worked with Your partner will take two minutes and describe the best teacher she ever worked with

Working Relationships Stand up and find someone who does not work in your school Take two minutes and describe the worst teacher you ever worked with Your partner will take two minutes and describe the worst teacher she ever worked with

Qualities of a Good Working Relationship With Teachers, Parents and Colleagues

Duties assigned To improve instruction and services to children and youth Playground duty Lunchroom duty Driving a bus Cleaning up after students Cleaning up after teacher

Evolving Roles of Paraeducators Grade tests on classroom work File formal tests in the office Monitor tests Administer and interpret results of informal tests Fill out checklists Discuss results with teachers

Evolving Roles of Paraeducators Observe teachers instruct students Deliver instruction with teachers Monitor students work Plan activities with teachers Assess the effects of instruction Guide practice of skills

Evolving Roles of Paraeducators Not involved in IEP meetings Not involved in carrying out instruction related to IEP goals May prepare materials for student instruction May attend meetings May give input to teachers for meetings Implement IEP goals in instruction under supervision Makes suggestions about changes in materials and approaches

Who can help?

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Be proactive not reactive Begin with the end in mind Put first things first; Develop habits of personal management Think win/win! Seek first to understand and then to be understood Synergize Sharpen the saw

Journal Writing what we have talked about, what we have discussed that you have previous experience or knowledge of, questions you may want to think about or bring up in class