Instructional Paraprofessional

What you will learn

• Identify the role of a paraprofessional in the US Educational System.
• Explain how to create an inclusive classroom.
• Describe best practices in working as a team member with your supervisor.
• Describe characteristics of effective instruction.
• Identify characteristics of a well-organized classroom environment.
• Explain how individual characteristics of student might affect how they learn.
• Identify laws that affect paraprofessionals.
• Identify ethical professional behavior.

Course outline

1. 1

   Lesson 1: What is a Paraprofessional?

   • In this lesson, you will learn about the role of the paraprofessional in education. The nature of the work is explored, along with the history of paraprofessionals in the classroom.
2. 2

   Lesson 2: Communicating in the Classroom

   • This lesson is about collaborating in education. Topics will include working under supervision and working within a larger team. The educational team consists of more than just the paraprofessional and the supervising teacher. This lesson identifies those other members of the team and how they can be involved in collaboration for more effective outcomes.
3. 3

   Lesson 3: Inclusive Education

   • Lesson 3 will cover the meaning of inclusive education in a larger arena that includes special education. You will explore the facets of special education and how to create an inclusive environment were students of all abilities are supported.
4. 4

   Lesson 4: Effective Instruction

   • In this lesson, you will learn strategies for providing and assisting with effective instruction. This includes presuming competence in our most vulnerable students and supporting students with cognitive disabilities. You will also learn about how to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of instruction.
5. 5

   Lesson 5: Social and Behavioral Supports

   • In this lesson, we will explore the ways to support students emotionally and socially. Not all supports for students are academic. Some students will need support to become independent workers and thinkers.
6. 6

   Lesson 6: Classroom Management

   • This lesson focuses on ways to promote effective behavior with classroom management. This includes how rules are enforced, consequences for inappropriate behaviors, ways to recognize appropriate behaviors, and time management in the classroom.
7. 7

   Lesson 7: Laws and Ethics

   • Working with children is a highly regulated profession and so there are a lot of laws, ethics, and professional best practices that must be followed in the classroom. This lesson will focus on those federal, state, and local laws that may affect paraprofessionals.
8. 8

   Lesson 8: Self-Care

   • This final lesson is about exploring ways and tools for self-care. It is impossible to continue to care for others when you are overwhelmed or fatigued. This lesson will provide some tools for being mentally prepared for helping others every day.