TIPS FOR NEW SPED TEACHERS| How To Work With Paraprofessionals and Other Adults

#teacher #teachertips #classroommanagement
In this video I will share how I build successful relationships with my paras. This is so important as a teacher and something you need to have in place in order to have a successful teaching year.
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[@thebehaviorcheckin]

What is your favorite tip? Do you have any suggestions or tips I missed? Let me know!

[@christinasylvestre]

I love my paras. I gave them gift cards, presents, cards, candy. They mean everything!!

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

They are so important!

[@Jane5720]

Yes, they do have the licensure so they do have that, but that doesn’t mean they have any common sense and I very serious about that. Don’t underestimate the knowledge that your paraprofessionals have, and treat them with respect.

[@user-wg6fe5uj8r]

This is great. I wish I was given training on how to work with a para.

[@victoriaLL345]

Loved all the tips!

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

Thank you for watching!

[@jema64]

Three videos in, loving your channel ❤️

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

Thank you! That means so much!

[@jaminschmitt]

As an ex paraprofessional we were often left out of the IEP goal process. I often felt that our wealth of knowledge with the relationships we built with students was not utilized enough. Lean into paras if you are struggling to strategize with a certain student. We are the foot soldiers and are often deep in the trenches as we experience the full gambit of how our assigned students are doing throughout their day. We know their triggers and often are able to de-escalate any potential meltdowns (whether it’s environmental or situational). Communication is key! Let your paras know what’s going on. If possible set aside a daily 5 minute team meeting so we are all on the same page and we can share our successes and failures. I’ve had school years where there was little no communication and I found myself modifying curriculum on my own. Paras will bend over backwards to give to their students and if there is a vacuum of direction or leadership they will either become increasingly frustrated or begin to take the initiative in doing things outside their pay grade. One year it got so bad I found myself scheduling meetings and having a behavior specialist wondering why my assigned student was crawling into cabinets in a space far away from his/her classroom. I had to tell the specialist that the SpEd teacher had not given me any direction or support in weeks. They had basically given up on strategizing or communicating with the classroom teacher. My last year as a para before quitting I was told by a SpEd teacher “as long as the student is in the classroom that’s all that matters.” Accountability and having high expectations that the classroom teacher and I had for the student was not supported by the SpEd teacher. My time in that classroom was completely wasted after that. Paras want SpEd teachers to have high expectations for their students. That seems like a no brainer but you’d be surprised how often an over-whelming case load for a SpEd teacher will diminish the expectations they have for their students. The more I pushed/advocated for a student who was frankly allowed to do whatever they wanted the more often the SpEd teacher would shrug their shoulders in resignation. I felt helpless after that. The classroom teacher was not pleased and it added strain to my being there. Paras are your right hand. We are an extension of your will, as it were. Use them. Lean on them. It will make a stressful job far more dynamic and fun!

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

We couldn't do our jobs without paras. They are such a valuable part of the team.

[@sakinabivins9415]

Thank you for this informative topic.

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@NaptownRugger]

Well put! I’m a floating Para in an Autism Support Program and get thrown into classrooms at the last second all the time. I always defer to the Teacher and follow their lead, but it’s also a partnership so if we’re dealing with a behavior situation we try to pay attention to verbal cues and body language in order present that united front.

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

It's amazing when the team has that kind of dynamic.

[@nicolegarfield6437]

I like how you explain things. Great video thank you:)

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

You're welcome. I am happy to hear that it was helpful!

[@tylergnosis2581]

Just got hired as a para. I love my job, my goal is to get my masters in special ed

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

That's awesome. That's what I did!

[@Jane5720]

You won’t be happy later

[@abbymichelle8294]

Thank you sooooo much!!

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

You're very welcome!

[@jennifergoble]

Wow really great tips. Thank you!

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

[@Sunshinestatespeducator]

Great tips :)

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@BrianTiede]

Also who I don’t know IEP goalso or who doesn’t respect me as a male in a female world.

[@Jane5720]

I just put in my resignation I had eight years of paraprofessional experience in center base and basically I just walked away because I was too frustrated and exhausted. Best decision. You don’t have to have them busy every every second are you serious? That’s one of the reasons why I left. There wasn’t a second in my day that wasn’t tasked for something. Never really got any direction from any of the teachers I worked under, never knew what the goals were or the IEP was, that was never shared. I think it would be so appreciated. That would’ve went so far and even sharing that you have value but day after day, you don’t get that here just like done If I could work with you, I would come back 😊

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

Being a para is a hard job. They deserve good pay and a lot more respect. I couldn't do my job without them!

[@BrianTiede]

How do you deal with a new teacher who thinks they know mor than the Para who’s been there for 5 years and they are a first year teacher, and who doesn’t share plans or anything with Paras until she has to deal with a behavior.

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

Have you two sat down and talked about expectations and boundaries? Oftentimes, new teachers can feel threatened by more experienced paras. In my experience, it helps to have that role and boundaries conversation. Building a good Para and teacher relationship takes a lot of communication. Let her know you are here to help, not take her job, or turn her into admin. Let her know you both have something to contribute to this partnership, and your objective is only to work together for the students. Did you recently start teaching together, or has it been like this all year?

[@the_powerpuff_gurl4625]

ma`am i would like to become a sped teacher . How to become a sped teacher and what to opt ?? what are the scopes ?? i`m currently doing my bachelor in zoology

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

If you're still in school, I would check with your college advisor and see what you need to do to change your major.

[@houstonwehaveaproblem2164]

I'm currently in school for my ba in special ed. I'm just curious who helps the children go to the restroom, if they need help? Also I was thinking of getting a dual license for general education and special ed. Is it worth it, are should I just stick to my passion of special education? I just know sped csn be tiring, and I might need a back up plan.

[@thebehaviorcheckin]

Usually assistants and teachers do. I think a dual license is a good idea. It gives you options.