Paraeducator Roles and

Responsibilities Guidebook
Sarah Holgado
SPED 441
 Qualifications

Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills.

A degree or certification in education or related field.

Display a modern understanding of the role of special education.

Ability to carry out designated tasks and expectations.

Alter your teaching according to the needs of a student or group of students.

 Interview Questions

How do you view education and its role in a persons life?

How is learning and teaching part of your personal life?

Do you prefer to work in a team or on your own? Explain.

What are the steps you take to resolve something that is bothering you in your
work environment?

How do you view students who struggle to learn or struggle to behave in

socially acceptable ways?
 Roles & Responsibilities

Follow all classroom procedures and help students follow them too

Cultivate a desire to help the students in whatever the task may be

Discuss any issues or concerns you have with me

Be familiar with student IEP goals

Confront problems with students with velvet steel (firm but kind)
Working with Non-Effective Paraeducators

Take the time to listen to the students needs and address them one by one

Always be patient and kind (even in moments when its hardest)

Encourage and practice open communication

Respect each other

Implement and practice strict procedures in the classroom

 Weekly Training Schedule

Classroom Expectations/Management
- Teacher philosophy

- Class procedures

- Expectations of performance

Roles and Responsibilities

- Academic needs of students

- Health concerns
Schedule continued...

Special Education Laws

- IDEA

- FERPA

- LRE

- FAPE

Emergency Procedures

- Fire drills, evacuation drills, school lockdown, etc.

Schedule continued...

What to do when things get hard: Involving Paras and Students

- Communicate alwayswith the SPED teacher and student

- Compromise

- Be kind, no matter how hard it may be

- Be understanding

- Practice patience
 My Advice to You

Model appropriate behavior in all circumstances. Teach the students how to respond to different
situations with their words instead of actions. Encourage them to express their feelings in safe
places.

Dont be afraid to jump in where you see a need. The teacher cant be everywhere all at once, so
take initiative to help out where help is needed.

Contribute to a happy, encouraging learning environment. Help our students to feel that the
classroom is a safe space to express themselves.

Help monitor and assist students in staying on task. If a student is not on task after several warnings,
take the aside outside the classroom to minimize distractions to the rest of the class.

Communication between paraeducators and teachers is crucial to a successful learning

environment, so always talk to me about anything! Dont hesitate to talk to me with any