What does a great paraprofessional need to know and do? Find out in this handy survival guide, equally useful for the brand-new paraprofessional or the 20-year classroom veteran. Packed with friendly guidance, practical tips, and relatable first-person stories, this book reveals the best ways to provide effective, respectful services to students in inclusive classrooms.
Julie Causton-Theoharis, a teacher, professor, and educational consultant with more than 10 years of experience as a paraprofessional instructor, knows exactly how to help readers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can start making a difference. She answers all the urgent questions paraprofessionals have as they navigate their complex job in the inclusive classroom, showing readers how to:
provide skillful and subtle support to students while encouraging their independence
resolve challenging behavior in gentle and positive ways
find students' strengths and match support practices to them
fade their support
make informed decisions about content-specific accommodations, modifications, and adaptations
presume competence and keep expectations high
facilitate peer supports and friendships
partner with teachers, SLPs, psychologists, families, and other members of the educational team
relieve their own stress and avoid burnout
To help them master the daily ups and downs of the inclusive classroom, paraprofessionals will get ready-to-use practical content: tips for supporting students with specific disabilities, helpful question-and-answer sections, examples of successful problem-solving, a quick-guide to acronyms in education, easy ideas for improving teamwork, and more.
The essential guide for every paraprofessionaland a must-have for the educators and other professionals who support themthis empowering book takes the guesswork out of a critical classroom role and helps students with disabilities reach their full potential.