Paraprofessional Puns

Is anything more awe-inducing  than an abundance of alliteration?

Well, yes, as a matter of fact.

Paras are even better.

In the "small pond" of a classroom where teachers are the big fish and the students are little fish...

...the paras are the current.

Paras yin & yang energy levels to tune the students to the teacher's vibe, to adjust the educational ambiance.

Often unnoticed and typically unheralded, the Paras have an enormous influence on the success of the lesson.

They reinforce the tone of the class & help keep things steady. Paras help the shy students get their questions answered, and engage the boisterous kids to keep their volume down.

This, and 1,000 other things to help the class flow smoothly.

So thank you Paras, you are appreciated!

I recently got a job as a cross guard/ cafeteria aid. During the interview I was also offered a paraprofessional position for an intensification class. Pretty much it’s meant to help students who fell behind during the pandemic/ online school. I haven’t got a start date yet and will be working as a cross guard/ cafeteria aid until I take my parapro test. I’m extremely nervous since it’s very different from the retail jobs I’ve worked the past 5 years. I stopped going to school at the beginning at the pandemic but it worked out perfectly since I was unsure on what to get my degree in. I decided that teaching is something I really want to do. I thought that maybe applying for something as simple a cross guard / cafeteria aid would help me dip my toes in a school environment but instead I’m might be doing something that is a little out of my comfort zone. If any paraprofessionals out there would like to share tips for newbies like me or their daily parapro routines, that would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi everyone. So I’m a paraprofessional assigned to a child who’s not diagnosed with autism, but he’s obviously autistic. He has frequent meltdowns, sensory issues, doesn’t have any words, and he’s in his own little world when he’s calm (no direct eye contact, plays with his fingers, etc). He’s in a school that offers little to no resources for autistic children. The only service he gets is speech therapy. He’s in a class full of 30 students so you can only imagine how triggering it is for him. I’ve tried noise canceling headphones, dimming the lights, and giving him toys he can throw (since he has a tendency to throw things) yet he still gets very triggered. I’ve also tried spending time with him in a little room where he can do his own activities such as tablet time, playing with his sensory toys, and playing with other toys in general but he still has meltdowns. They get so bad that he hits me, kicks me and hurts himself. Sometimes I don’t know how to handle these meltdowns. I always try to accommodate him whether it’s offering him food or catering to his sensory needs. But when he’s hitting me, I get super overwhelmed and I don’t know what to do to stop him from himself and stop hurting me. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Also for some background info: His mom doesn’t believe he’s autistic and that he’ll “grow out of it” hence why she’s forcing him to attend this school that doesn’t accommodate his needs. The school has recommended a smaller classroom for him but she absolutely refuses to transfer him somewhere else. So it’s really only me that’s with him the whole entire day. No help from a special Ed teacher or therapists. Not even his mother to be honest. Just me.

As much as I'd love to work with kids, I can't work a 3 hr shift in the middle of the day and lose the opportunity to work another job that actually pays better. These

I recently started teaching ELA on the ESE-track. I have a paraprofessional who spends most of the day in my classroom who has very little experience. She spends most of the day in my class (and in the other classes she assists) sitting at her desk on her phone. I’m trying to figure out how to best utilize her in my classes. How do you utilize your paraprofessional?

I thought my TA would stop undermining my classroom management after our talk at the beginning of the year, but she's at it again. And arguing with eight year olds, and on her phone all the time, and unable to follow simple directions. Commiserate with me, please.

I was hired a month ago and I feel so lost most of the time. I received no trainings, no shadowing, nothing. The only things I was told to do were to fill out two forms for the students everyday and assist them with work if they need help.

My school switched to online recently due to covid and most of my students are not showing up. I tried emailing the students or calling their parents but none of them responded. The only student that shows up to class everyday doesn’t require homework assistances. What I do everyday now is just entering the zoom links and check if the students are there or not, then fill out a short form. It seems like there’s nothing much I can do in this situation.

What are the things I should do in this situation? Also what are the other responsibilities for in person/ online classes?

I’m not sure if it was arrogance or pure lack of common sense, but one of the paraprofessionals in my sub-separate classroom decided to take three (incredibly high-needs students with Autism) to the bathroom from recess. I typically pick them up from the playground to help with transition, but apparently today she didn’t think it was important to wait for me.

Her back was turned and a student ran out of the bathroom. A 5-year old.

Meanwhile, I’m in the classroom and another teacher brings this student to the classroom. This teacher is out of breath and has a panicked look on her face. She tells me this student was running down the street. If the teacher hadn’t been outside managing a delivery, this student would have ended up God knows where.

I’m floored. Five minutes later, yes, FIVE, the paraprofessional returns, without a care in the world, and says, “oh, there you are” as she sees the student with me in the classroom.

How would you all handle this?

I have chronic pain and some neck tremors. I would like to know if you are able to stand up and walk around working as a para. Sitting for long periods of time exacerbates my pain.

Also I am intimidate of being physically hit by students. Does this happen often?

Your response is appreciated, have a lovely day!

Seeking brutal advice, even if it's not what I want to hear. I do realize my decision may damage my relationships with students, teachers, admin.

I accepted a para position with ELL students at $18/hr + health benefits. It's 35 hours per week. I was furloughed and needed a job desperately. However, two days after accepting (and assisting teachers in the classroom), I was contacted by another job---not in the educational field--that pays far more.

Here are the pros of the para position:

+ I truly enjoy the teachers I work with. I also feel very guilty because, of course, they are overworked

+ In only 2 days, I've made strong connections with the students. In fact, a teacher pulled me aside and let me know how I impacted one particular student. Even in just two days, I think about the students often when I"m not at work. If I quit, this will be hardest aspect. But, I also realize it needs to be immediately as possible if I do.

+ The job is at a school that is less than a block away. I walk to work. Clock out for lunch, walk home and eat/let my dog home, and walk back.

+ If I was to stay in teaching and get credentialed, this school is the ONE I would envision myself in for years as my career

Cons:

+ I'm not too certain if teaching is what I desire anymore. I've taught at the uni level as a graduate for 5 years. I feel burnt out.

+ I should have done my homework regarding ELL students. At the uni level, they were behind, yes. But they had an innate + engineered desire to succeed due to the necessity of securing a certain GPA for scholarships. At the uni level, there weren't behavior issues whatosoever with non-native students.

+ Public school, on the other hand, is a far different beast. There are some behavior issues and it completely deflates me---even though I'm just a para. Needless to say, I'm not even the one who has to enforce classroom management.

+ My background is creative writing, composition, the arts. In this current para position, I'm mostly assisting students with physics, chemistry, math and biology. Not only am I out of my element, I've also had to ask teachers for a key (overworked teachers doing even more work) because I can't remember/was never good in these topics. I've even given students the wrong answer on my first day when they've asked for help. I feel like a con.

+ These early hours are killer. Eventually, I know I"ll get use to them. Regarding hours, I'm used to teaching MWF for 2 hour blocks at most

I'm going to be applying to MAT programs in the spring (secondary English) and am currently trying to find ways to get some relevant experience, because from what I hear any sort of teacher prep program will not actually prepare you for what it's like to be in the classroom. And what I hear the most is that spending some time subbing or as a classroom para is the best way to get an actual idea of what it would be like as a teacher. And honestly I would love to do that but when I look at openings in those roles in my area the pay range I usually see is as low as $10/hr and maxing out around ~$18. The para jobs I see are also frequently only part time and with subbing I assume there wouldn't be a guarantee that you will actually be needed every day? I don't understand how that kind of pay is sustainable for a person to support themself for an extended time. Am I missing something? I'd much prefer to be doing something like that instead of my current job but I can't afford to take a pay cut and lose my benefits.

I’ve been working at a public library since March and am finishing the first semester of my MLIS program (I’m trying to finish in 4 semesters, so spring of 2023 graduation).

I work as library associate right now part-time, and I really enjoy it. I love my branch and co-workers and overall job. I originally planned to stay at my job for the entire time I’m in grad school, so that when I start applying for librarian positions afterwards, I’ll have a little over 2 years of experience.

Well, long story short, my boyfriend of 3 years recently got a job offer in another state and took it, since it was one he really couldn’t refuse because of the salary/benefits and his own career projection. He starts next August, so I have a little bit of time before I have to decide whether I’m going with him, and at this point, the only thing holding me back is the possible detriment to my own career.

I know paraprofessional roles aren’t exactly prestigious and I make barely more than minimum wage so it’s not like I’m being asked to give up some kind of high powered career. At the same time, is it going to look bad on a resume to leave a library job after just over a year (I’d probably quit in July if I do decide to make the move)? Especially when I have another year left of grad school? I plan to start applying to positions in the new city right away if I go with him, but I’m worried that because it’s a much larger area (with a school that cranks out MLIS holders nearby as well) I’m going to really be struggling to find something. My whole family seems to think it’s no big deal to leave a low paying job and keep pushing the move, but I don’t think they really get how tough this field is to get into, so I wanted to talk it out with people who do.

How bad would it look career wise for a certified teacher to work as a paraprofessional? Would I be totally dismissed as overqualified if I have a current teaching license? Would I be shooting myself in the foot if I ever needed the higher pay of a teacher again? Income isn't a huge concern for me right now.

I recently applied to be a paraprofessional and I've been contacted by a few people for an interview. I need a little help deciding if I'd rather work in an elementary school or middle school, so if anyone can give me some pros and cons of working in either, I would love to hear them!

Has anyone considered just jumping ship and becoming a para at their kids school? I mean, talk about a pay cut...it's $14 an hour BUT less stress, no paperwork, no insurance, no referral issues...... for a schedule that matches my kids. I've been contemplating non-clinical jobs, but this feels like leaving the field altogether. Am I crazy?

I’m a new paraprofessional with my main hub being in the media center. I love reading and was so happy to be placed in the library. Unfortunately, the school will pull me to sub classes more often than I’d like. It’s my second week and I’ve subbed more than I have done anything in the library.

It’s been difficult trying to command respect and get students’ attention during classes. I came home emotionally drained and with a huge headache after yelling at 6th graders all day. I took this job because I eventually want to teach. The more I sub, the more I feel like I may have made the wrong career choice?

Any advice for a new sub? Being mean doesn’t work, being nice doesn’t work. Idk what to do. Thanks!

I have an interview next week for a preK special Ed paraprofessional position. I am feeling a little worried because I don’t have a degree or any college units. I recently relocated to Tennessee from California. While living in CA I had a very hard time getting into a school while here, I was asked to interview the very next day after applying. Now I’m curious if it is possible to work in a school without a degree?

I have about 3 years experience being an RBT, working with children with Autism.

Is anyone familiar with the parapro exam? Is it a nationwide exam? Do I need college units to take it? I saw it mentioned on a few job listings here in TN and wanted a bit more information about it

All of the students I work with have an IEP stating they require a 1 on 1 aid, but we’re so understaffed I’m being assigned to work with up to 3 students at a time. It’s completely overwhelming, unsafe, and I’m just wondering if it’s legal and if there’s anything I can do. I feel like I have no other option but to quit

I'm a one of the middle school science teachers at The GLOBE Academy, and we are looking for wonderful individuals to join our wonderful team.

If you are working towards your teaching degree, are experienced in teaching middle school science, or looking to transition into teaching science, The GLOBE Academy is the place for you!

Looking for a job where you don't have the pressure of being the lead teacher in the classroom but have the opportunity to work with students, the GLOBE Academy has that available for you!

If you're interested in more information (teaching environment, just questions in general, etc) send me a DM or checkout the The GLOBE website at theglobeacademy.org for the application process, details about the school, etc.

EDIT: Starting pay (0 years of experience) for non-certified teacher - $44,736/year Starting pay for certified teacher- $47,736/year

I don’t want to be too specific here, but I work as a building sub in a very well regarded district. I had positions to fill most days this year, and had no problem traveling to other district schools to help fill in.

However, for the last few weeks, my building has been using me exclusively as a paraprofessional. I know there are limited subs, let alone substitute paras, but I don’t think they are hiring for an opening. It seems they are using me as an extra body without looking for an actual para. This morning I was told the school requests a substitute paraprofessional everyday, and if no one wants to take the opening, I have to take it.

I don’t want to ruffle feathers or seem ungrateful, and I certainly don’t mind helping out, but I did not take this position to be a paraprofessional. The school has cancelled support services (gifted, reading specialist) instead of putting me in those classes to sub so I could work in the special education classroom instead.

To be fully honest, I am completely disillusioned with teaching in general. I have been seeking a full time position for almost 5 years and I have made zero progress. I am finishing an unrelated master’s program this December. Would it be best for me to just push through until I can find a new job?

So I’ve been a one to one paraprofessional for two years and have consistently gotten the most challenging kiddos and have done pretty well and enjoyed it a fair amount until my most recent kiddo. He doesn’t listen to me, is rude, regularly elopes from class, and refuses to do anything a lot of the time. Also his mom is pretty notorious in the area for being abusive to staff and has unrealistic expectations for the kiddo. So it’s all just really stressful for me and I cried at work when I worked with him multiple times a day. I was so stressed and frustrated a few weeks ago that I basically told my boss that they need to switch me from being one to one or I might have to quit because the stress was too much and working with him makes me hate my job (I know that sounds mean). I was under the impression that I wouldn’t ever have to be one to one with him again and they’ve had two other aides working with him alternating days. Now they are telling me that I’m going to have to be his one to one again at least one day a week and I’m feeling very frustrated and stuck and not sure what to do. I want to be helpful but I don’t think it’s fair to ask after I talked to them and I thought it was off the table. Already feeling really stressed and frustrated. I’m good at my job and I know they don’t want me to leave and I could easily find a job elsewhere that likely pays more but obviously that’s not ideal. What do you think I should do? Also have any paras had any similar experiences? Thank you for any advice

Hello again! I have a few follow-up interviews coming up for a similar position to the one I am currently in, handling reserves and document delivery at a small branch within a large academic library. One interview is just with the heavy hitters of the reserves/ILL team of the main library (heads of copyright policy, reserves, and ILL). I have met them but am stressing over this interview because I don’t really know what they’ll ask me. Has anyone had a similar experience with reserves or copyright-focused interviews? Do you think it will skew mostly technical or law based? Thanks in advance!

Hello, i am currently in college pursuing a degree in elementary education, i have seen a paraprofessional opening recently and i begin to wonder if it would help me get a teaching job in the future?

if i got this job in the district that i’ve always wanted to work and grown up in, is it likely that taking this job will give me a good chance to move up to teaching upon getting my degree?

Edit: i am only 2 years into college so i still have 2 more before getting bachelors

I very recently interviewed for a library assistant position at a big research university. When they asked me to tell them about myself, I mentioned my dream of becoming a reference librarian. I then went on about why I love working in university libraries in general.

It felt right at the time but now I wonder if I shot myself in the foot. I mean, this clearly implies that I won’t stay in the position forever. At the moment I felt like it showed my passion for what I was doing and that it’s not just a job for me.

What do you think?

Are we able to take a job as a paraprofessional while doing PCE/DT? Also, if we finish our DT before out term ends, do we have to wait for our degree or is it instant after DT?

I have a paraprofessional who taught all there life in my room and has verbally yelled at my class to stop talking because they "get a headache". I dont like yelling and try to takeon these approaches better.

I had a concerned parent email me 7 paragraphs about how my para has belittled her son. Physically moving her sons head to look at the board during moments of me teaching. And even grabbed his mask on his chin and pulled it up himself over said students face.

These things I haven't noticed since this is my class wirh 34 kids and I am usually focused on simply making it thru the lesson on time. But I have noticed his harsh tone with kids and other things with other kids. Not the head turning though, but I did see the mask. Not saying she is lying at all either.

He also likes to butt in to my lesson and expand on my teaching of course to help the students with his many years of experience. Fine. But not fine also.

Upon the email, I talked with my principal who essentially helped me respond to the parent. Told me then to talk with my para. And to start keeping record of these moments.

Any suggestions further for when I speak with him?

I had a para follow me around in 7th grade because I had behavioral problems in 6th grade. I had hoped that getting put on the imipramine medication would help me behave, so if I got that medication, why would I need a para?

Having a Para induced so much stress in my life that year because having a special needs worker follow me around all over school was just giving away to all of the other students that I had to be a special needs student of some kind, because why would a normal student have some worker follow them around?

I wanted to be popular. I wanted to be liked by, and friends with, everybody at that school. Without thinking about it, I knew that there was no such thing as a "popular special needs kid."

I wanted to hide, from every last student, the fact that I had anything to do with her because letting any student know that I had anything to do with her would just paint a Target on my back telling everybody that I am a special needs student to be picked on, bullied, ridiculed, and not included into their Circle of Friends. There was no "hiding" the para and my association with her, from anyone.

All the other students got to get away with so many things that I could not get away with, all because my para had her eyes on me at all times, unless I was in the restroom. I felt like I was in some kind of fascist police state.

There was no one I hated more than her, because she would magnify whatever punishment the teachers would give me. If a teacher only gave me a lecture about some behavioral issue, the para would do something worse. I wanted to hit her. I wanted to do something to make her feel hurt. And all this time, she demanded that I respect her. I felt like respecting her was like a Jew respecting a Nazi. Nobody, in their right mind, would order a Jew to respect a Nazi, unless they were a Nazi themselves.

Because I was pulled out of class by my para numerous times, I missed so much class instruction, that looking back, I should have petitioned to be retained in 7th grade. I was just too happy to move on to eighth grade and not have a para that next year, but looking back, I missed so much instruction that would have strengthened my foundations. That is why I needed to be held back in 7th grade, also because I would have had a fresh reputation with all of the new incoming 7th graders, who would not have known about the para the previous year. I would have been given a better chance to be more popular and be friends with more students, wi

I’m going to have to quit because I’m in debt every month trying to live off the salary. These kids are getting better grades and functioning better socially because of the consistency my presence has provided in the classroom. They’re going to think I left because something was wrong with them. This will only reinforce their belief that there’s something wrong with them. I’m becoming a part of the “revolving door of staff” problem. I don’t know who else will do this job. I’m heartbroken.

I start my new job as a life skills paraprofessional in fall at a high school. I have experience in similar jobs but new to actual in school work. My style is dark, goth and/or emo style would be okay. There is no real dress code except professional causal so just trying to judge what that means. I wear dark jeans, dark vans or doc martens. Usually a dark men's shirt sometimes with skulls or what not. I also wear gauges like my trex ones they are only a 2. I guess what I mean is I'm almost 30 never out grew my emo stage and I can't imagine myself in a preppy or normal teacher clothes. Any help or opinion welcome thanks in advance.