Para Professionals

This week I read an article on Inclusion Tips for Paraeducators in the classroom. I agreed with the author when they stated that the Paras should help the student develop authentic work. A lot of special needs students that receive assistance from paras rely on them to approve the answer to every question. I tell my paras that it is okay to help them with one question. They should also note on the worksheet that this problem was completed as a guided practice. In the past, I have witnessed paras assist the student with the entire assignment and the student received an A. The parents were under the impression that the student independently made the grade. This caused a problem because the parents thought the child completed the skill independently. I tell my general education teachers and paras that it is okay if the child does not make a 100/A on every assignment. Be honest with who completed the work. It saves a lot of trouble down the road.

Active Board

This week, I finally received a laptop to use with my Active board. My students were so excited. We use it to watch videos that are aligned with the reading and mathematics skills that are being taught during the week. We also use it to play vocabulary word games. I noticed that my students are very much engaged when we include the Active board in our lessons. They are willing to sit quietly for a chance to hold the wand or the pen. On Friday, I held an IEP meeting utilizing the Active board. I could type into the IEP and the team could actually see me do it. We are going to use the Active board in all of our IEP meetings this year. Using the Active board saved me from having to print drafted copies of the IEP. I think all special education teachers should have an Active board.

Just Relax!

I woke up this morning thinking about my agenda. Feed and dress the kids. Do my homework. Finish schoolwork that is required by Monday: make a visual schedule, rewrite the paraprofessionals' schedules (for the 1,000th time), write lesson plans, schedule meetings. My supervisors tell me to relax, don't get stressed out. You need to be calm during your pregnancy. Then they proceed to give me a list of things to do. I find myself waking up throughout the night trying to finish my school tasks. How do you find time to balance school (professional) and home (personal)? Help!