Paraprofessional Training Series: We Can’t Do It Without You!

This four-module series is designed to address the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals in their daily work in schools. It also addresses Social and Emotional Learning skills required by paras to work most effectively with students and staff. In addition, the characteristics of students with learning challenges and best practice strategies is addressed and lastly, student supports that work is also available.

Each module is 2.5 hours in duration and can be modified to work with smaller or larger groups of paraprofessionals. The modules are also highly valuable for special education teachers who work closely with paras to strengthen the teacher/para working relationship for the benefit of their shared students. Fundamentals of SEL is the focus of Module 1 however, all subsequent modules in this series will briefly revisit these competencies.

  • • What is Social and Emotional Learning?

    • Background and supporting research

    • SEL challenges for paras

    • SEL Framework from CASEL organization

    • Instruction in the 5 SEL competencies endorsed by CASEL

    • Brain science and emotion: the connection to SEL

    • SEL and educational equity

    • Grade/level appropriate SEL skills

    • SEL non-academic victories

    • What can I do tomorrow?

    • Plus…several interactive activities/small group

  • • Review the 5 Social Emotional Competencies (SEL)

    • What are the teacher responsibilities?

    • What are the paraprofessional responsibilities?

    • Effective strategies for collaborating with my teacher(s)

    • Establishing rapport between teachers and students

    • Professional Conduct

    • Classroom management/behavior plans

    • Review of IEP and 504 Plan

    • Who makes up the Child Study Team?

    • Review of the 14 Classifications (Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act 2004)

  • • Review the 5 Social Emotional Competencies (SEL)

    • Social and Emotional Learning as an effective means of support for students

    • Research-based instructional strategies to support all student learning

    • Developing and implementing strategies to meet the needs of special education students

    • Characteristics of special education students and targeted strategies for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Autism and ADHD

  • • Making connections

    • Effective communication with students

    • Cat/Dog analogy

    • Strategies for building rapport

    • No power struggles here!

    • Introduce Positive Behavior Strategies (PBS)

    • Changes you can make to support PBS

    • Responses by staff: Be a part of the solution!

    • Building skills with replacement behaviors

    • Gallery Walk: reflections on your individual approach