On the Same Page: Paraprofessionals and Teachers Working Together

Jan 3, 2012 by Susan Fitzell

Have you ever worked with another adult in the classroom and felt as if you were both on different planets? Possibly, your approach to working with students was completely at odds. Or maybe you held certain expectations about what the other adult should do and those expectations weren’t met. In order to have a more harmonious and effective working relationship in the classroom, it is important to be on the same page with matters of concern.

Teachers might discuss with their paraprofessionals how they will plan for their work in the classroom. Paraprofessionals might ask their collaborating teachers about their expectations and discuss how those expectations will be dealt with. Other items to reflect upon include: “How will the paraprofessional meet instructional goals?” “What are the teacher’s expectations for participation in classroom management?” and “How will the classroom teacher and paraprofessional communicate with each other?”

In this first part of a four part article, we’ll take a look at some “discussion starters” and questions that teachers, and their paraprofessionals, might consider to get on the same page and move forward.

Lesson Planning:

• Will the paraprofessional provide input into the planning process for either specific students or the class in general? If so, how will the classroom teacher gain that input?
• Will the paraprofessional have input into lesson planning, or planning for reteaching?
• When and how should the paraprofessional’s experience in the classroom contribute to interventions used with non-responders or students with special needs?