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Working with a new paraprofessional
In recieving a new paraprofessional, you must have all of your ducks in a row. I truly believe that when new visitors, parents, administration come into your classroom they can right off the bat sense if you have a well managed classroom. Here are the steps lead teachers can take in order to welcome and properly show their new para the ropes (ins and outs) of their new job.
1. Welcome them with a friendly face. Introduce yourself, and tell them a few fun facts. Show them around the classroom and have a few small yet friendly presents for them on your first encounter. For example, I noted what things were missing from my paras desk and I purchased these things as a gift for her on her first day. Do anything you can to break the ice and have them feeling at home.
2. Once the positive introduction and welcoming has taken place get down to business. Make yourself an outline the night before of your expectation for the para. Write them down as a list to go by. Make it into a schedule so it appears as if you are just giving him or her a list of times, but by each time dicate what is expected. It is important that your para understands what is expected of her, but in the same sense she doesnt feel like she is being bossed around or told what to do all day long.
3. Show him/her around the school. Introduce her to the staff and especially their fellow paraprofessional coworkers.
4. Ask for questions. Does the para understand the schedule and expectations? Ask what the para expects of you as the lead teacher.
5. Use the first week of working together as practice. Note down positives and negatives and ask your para to do the same. At the end of each day hold a brief discussion about how the day went. What went and worked well and what did not? Is there anything you need to change or alter?
6. Hold a great working relationship with your para. Find a way each day to make him/her laugh and take a breather. Give compliments such as, "I love how you created and designed our new class bulletin board. It is very bright and exciting to look at." |
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| Comments posted for this Tip: 4 |
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These are great tips to keep in mind. |
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Posted on: October 16, 2015 1:48 am
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I think these tips also work well for an inclusion teacher. Thank you for the tips! |
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Posted on: October 18, 2015 2:30 pm
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Good ideas, thanks. |
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Posted on: October 8, 2017 11:27 pm
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Your suggestions are really good ways to make a new paraprofessional feel welcome and set the foundation for a strong professional relationship. One way to continue the feedback towards their work performance could be to hold a biweekly or monthly conference with the paraprofessional to discuss any issues, any areas they need to work on, and areas they excel at. |
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Posted on: October 14, 2022 9:10 pm
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