How to get along and effectively utilize your paraprofessional

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The paraprofessional (teacher assistant/aide) in your classroom can be one of your most valuable resources in the classroom, if you utilize your paraprofessional correctly and efficiently. To do this, the first thing you as a teacher should do is get to know your paraprofessional. Spend the time to sit down, in or outside the classroom, and get to know each other. Discuss your educational and personal backgrounds and beliefs. It is important that you get to know the person who you will be spending many hours together within the classroom. Find out what you have in common and what you don’t have in common.

Spend time discussing the goals of the students you will be serving. What do you want to accomplish this year? Allow your paraprofessional to be a part in the planning process. Teaching can be more effective if you both know and understand what are the student outcomes and expectations.

Lastly, make sure to clearly define the roles each of you will play during the year. When doing so, keep in mind that your paraprofessional is not simply an administrative assistant. He/she should not be used solely to make copies. Your paraprofessional is there to ensure that the student’s educational goals are met and to make your job as a teacher a bit easier. Don’t just let him/her sit on the sidelines and watch you teach.

Above all, treat your paraprofessional with dignity and respect. If an issue arises, talk about it, discuss it like two professionals. You both should be on same page from the beginning, and continue to communicate your needs and frustrations throughout the school year. Remember, you are a team.