STANDARD: 6 Artifact: 3

ARTIFACT NAME: Paraeducators Assignment

Rationale Statement:

Paraeducators and classroom instructors must work together to create the best

learning environment for students. Working collaboratively with a paraeducator is one

aspect of professional learning that will continue to develop. Paraeducators may work

one-on-one with a student, increasing the demand for ethical practices. Special education

teachers will guide and direct the paraeducator through new curriculum to ensure that it is

understood by the paraeducator. They are responsible for the instruction of that lesson;

they support exceptional students when the teacher cannot. Paraeducators will have to

learn the importance of advocating for a student who may not have the opportunity to

advocate for him or herself. By supporting each other in the classroom, both paraeducator

and instructor will grow as professionals. They will continue to develop their repertoire

and will continue to learn as individuals working in the field of special education.

Working as a paraprofessional for one year gave me insight on how important it is

to support the student while also supporting the instructor. I respect instructors who can

delegate an appropriate amount of work to paraeducators without taking advantage of

their skills.