Often when the subject of education arises, visions of teachers, students and principals come to mind. Yet, paraeducators (paras) play a significant role in education and are often known as the backbone of schools. Paras fulfill a variety of roles within St. Cloud Area School District 742 like helping language and physical barriers, providing academic and emotional support and even social support in the classrooms, lunchroom and playgrounds.
So, who are paraeducators? They are students earning their teaching license or students otherwise interested in education. They are moms who’ve re-entered the workforce or dads that want the same schedule as their kids. They’re also teachers who’ve retired but still want to be in education or other retirees that want to work only 30 hours a week. Some were once volunteers in education and found a passion working with students.
In the classroom, paras assist and encourage students to learn. They help students with their lessons for all subject areas including the library, computer lab and more.
“Paras support in the classroom,” says Marisa Mayer, special education teacher at Discovery Community School, “by assisting, modifying activities, managing behaviors and then they also, at times, work one-on-one with students who need additional reinforcement.”
Paraeducators are vital to students with special needs. They typically have a lot of one-on-one time with their students and are responsible for assisting teachers or special services staff in supervision and instruction, perform classroom clerical tasks, assist students by meeting special health care needs and develop student’s daily living and behavioral skills.
“Paras are critical to helping our students grow and develop in all areas,” explains Deb Grabinger, early childhood special education teacher at Quarryview Education Center. “We would not be able to provide the services to our children without paraeducator support. They are … with the children from the moment they arrive on the bus until they are back on the bus at the end of the school day.”
Read more on special education paraeducator Nick Wells.
Another area paraeducators make a difference is with language. English Language (EL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) paraeducators break down communications barriers. They provide instructional support to students needing assistance with English as a Second Language which includes helping students with English concepts and skills, especially in their transition into mainstream classes. Paras assist students in Spanish or Chinese immersion classrooms as well.
“Being a paraeducator is so rewarding because you’re making a difference in someone’s life,” smiles paraeducator Natasha Chapman. “[For] some of these kids, you’re that one contact that gets to read a story to them. You get to get one-on-one … with them.”
Grabinger adds, “If you love children and want to spend time with children, this would be the perfect job. It is extremely rewarding. To watch those children, grow and develop throughout the school year, it doesn’t get any more rewarding than that.”
Did You Know?
- Weekends, evenings, holidays and summers are off
- Paras receive paid training
- Training is typically completed in a day
- Paras bring immeasurable value to the classroom and support inclusivity
- Paraeducators are only required to work 30 hours for full benefits
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