Managing The Work Of Paraprofessionals TEACHERS DIRECTING THE WORK OF PARAPROFESSIONALS

AGENDA FOR 2012 SESSIONS Session 2 Managing the work of Paraprofessionals March 27, 2012 Session 3 Communication April 24, 2012 Session 4 Modeling May 22, 2012

COMPETENCIES FOR TEACHERS Clearly describes, to each paraprofessional, their roles and responsibilities. Maintains regular positive and supportive interaction with paraprofessionals. Contributes to the evaluation of paraprofessionals performance with the intent of assisting paraprofessional skill improvement. Maintains professionalism through respect, confidentiality, and honoring boundaries. Provides beginning and substitute paraprofessionals with an orientation that results in sufficient understanding of the setting, staff, students, and staff roles and responsibilities. Provides regular, constructive feedback regarding each paraprofessional's work performance. Encourages the involvement of paraprofessionals in setting goals and planning, implementing, and evaluating program and instructional activities. Coordinates collaboration among paraprofessionals and other staff, such as specialists. Efficiently manages resources related to student instruction, such as instructional materials, physical space, and personnel. Supports paraprofessionals in using modified instructional plans and materials to accommodate the exceptional learning needs of various students. Provides assistance and direction for paraprofessionals who work in independent capacities, such as classrooms, job mentoring, community transition support, work-study, transportation, etc.

INTRODUCTION TO YOUR CLASSROOM Professionalism Constructive feedback Involvement in the classroom expectations, paraprofessional expectations, teacher expectations, etc

DEVELOPING A SCHEDULE Student needs Lunch coverage Individual strengths & weaknesses Identify the grade, student(s), teacher, location, activity

DELEGATION Makes the most of your time Creates teams Empowers paraeducators Means you don’t have to do everything yourself Maximizes use of your personal resources Gives paraeducators what they need Challenges paraeducators Avoids the creation of indispensable people Gives schools a better return on personnel dollars Minimizes physical limitations French, 2003

HOW TO HANDLE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS Relationships Data InterestsStyle Structural issues Values Conflict Resolution

STEPS TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION STEP 1: Set The Scene STEP 2: Gather Information STEP 3: Agree The Problem STEP 4: Brainstorm Possible Solutions STEP 5: Negotiate A Solution Tell me, I may listen. Teach me, I may remember. Involve me, I will do it. – Chinese Proverb

NEXT MEETING Several people will be gone next month. Rather than meeting, I will have a short lesson on the website and you will be required to post at least 2 discussion topics on the website. Information will be sent via as a reminder of how to access, and post. Thank you and have a great Month!

RESOURCES Conflict Resolution, Resolving conflict rationally and effectively. Managing Paraeducators in your school Nancy K. French. Corwin Press