special education paraprofessional Archives

What do Paraprofessionals do?

Paraprofessionals are the heart of any classroom. They support the classroom Teacher. When Teachers are drowning in data and phone calls from parents, it is the Paraprofessional who greets the students. When a Teacher is managing a behavior crisis or testing students it is the Paraprofessional who is re-teaching a concept to a small group of students. Paraprofessionals are famous for organizing classrooms, completing student observations, and preparing student materials.

The relationships between the Paraprofessional, Classroom Teacher, and students can change the dynamic of a classroom.

My Special Education Paraprofessionals

I have a huge place in my heart for the amazing Paraprofessionals that I have worked with in my Special Education classroom over the years. There was the one who brought in an illuminated, five foot tree with lights to make our room more cozy. We read with students under that tree and wondered how long until the Fire Marshall shut us down.

Another favorite created a classroom currency (horrifyingly with my face on it) while I was out sick for the day. She opened a store and encouraged our students to bring a friend from their general education classrooms to “shop”.

We created a talent show to showcase our students and cried when they performed in front of their peers to standing ovations. We opened our daily check ins to any student who needed it, not just our students in Special Education. This made our Special Education room the coolest place to hang out.

The Cool Kids of Room 209

Our Special Education room was so open, warm and inviting that general education students would stop me in the halls to ask, “when will you take me?” and “why is it only some kids that get a turn to go with you?” Our students including many who had numerous things stacked against them socially were accepted, popular even. We were officially the cool kids in room 209. This made our student’s daily lives better. It should not be the case, but it simply was.

I am so incredibly proud of our program and I take absolutely zero credit for it. None of it was me. It was my Paraprofessionals. Their creativity, thoughtfulness and ingenuity built our program.

My Paraprofessionals met the needs of students when they were overwhelmed in the chaos of general education. They modified work, taught life skills and offered breaks at exactly the right moments. They took data, gave advice, and solved so many problems while I sat writing IEPs.

Thank You, Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals see our students for exactly who they are. They love our students and hold their hands through the tough stuff. But, Paraprofessionals hold our hands too as Teachers. They help, support, document, prepare, and laugh just at the right times. Next time you see a Paraprofessional, thank them for all they do, seen and unseen.

Jobs in special education are simply the best! Before I was a Special Education Teacher, I worked for a non-profit. We ran social skills groups, lead community based outings, and taught vocational skills. I have spent most of my adult life working in the special education field. I can promise you will not meet a cooler, more fun, more endearing set of people in any other field.

The Special Education Teacher

If you are a Teacher in Special Education the students stay with you year after year. This gives you an opportunity to watch them develop overtime. With more time, you can change the trajectory of their lives. Also, because you are with them for more than one year, you get to know the parents. Teaming up with parents to support students is where the magic happens!

In the special education classroom, you have more freedom over the curriculum. You are teaching, progress monitoring, and working towards IEP goals. This allows you to scaffold a curriculum that works for the individual in front of you. You can take into account the student’s personal interests and abilities. You can even work in opportunities for them to be the experts and lead the group! If your students are like mine, then as a bonus, you will learn about Sonic, Legos, Tik Tok and so much more!

Special Education Classrooms

Since the IEP is written based on the needs of each individual student, your workday may look different from day to day. The topics you teach can be academic but, might also other skills. My students have goals in the areas of life skills, vocational skills, community based instruction, independent living skills, and friendship skills among others. I love that Special Education Teachers have so much flexibility! Here are some common teaching jobs in special education:

Self Contained Classroom: Students and teacher are in one classroom most of the day
Co-teaching: The Special Education Teacher is working in the same classroom with the General Education Teacher
Push In: A Special Education Teacher or Paraprofessional enters a general education classroom to provide modifications and support
Resource/Learning Support/Study Skills: Students come to your room for small group instruction in a specific area for a short period of time

The Special Education Paraprofessional

One of the best things about the Special Education classroom is the team of paraprofessionals who work in it. They are absolute angels. Paraprofessionals support the Special Education Teacher and love the students. Paraprofessionals are masters in teaching small groups. They keep the classroom running! Often times, Paras spend their time preparing materials for lessons, taking data on student progress. They remind the Special Education Teacher to breathe, and laugh!

In the special education classroom, Paraprofessionals are the glue that holds a program together. Paraprofessionals get to work with the students without managing the paperwork of the IEP. We Special Education Teachers are eternally appreciative of all they do.

Other Jobs in Special Education

The special education field is full of opportunities! If working in the classroom is not a job for you, not to worry. Here are some other professions that work in special education:

Special Education Advocates: Help people with disabilities and their families navigate systems to secure supports within them
Counselors: Work with students at schools and clinics to learn skills to support mental and physical health
School psychologist: Participate in the IEP team, test students to determine whether or not disabilities are present, make recommendations for services
Speech Language Pathologist: Work with students who need support in the area of communication
Occupational Therapist: Works towards wellness and increased independence with fine motor tasks
Physical Therapist: Works to improve range of movement and develop gross motor skills
Skills Trainer: Teaches social skills, life skills, community skills, independent living skills, and vocational skills

Resources for Professionals in Special Education

Special Education Basics: A 30 Minute Training

Workbook: Getting Students Involved in the IEP Process

Paraprofessional Training: Behavior Management

Progress Monitoring: A 30 Minute Training

What is a Paraprofessional?