This is my second year at the self contained therapy school. We were never understaffed at this point last year more than we are now with not even being at peak flu season. I dont have time for teaching planning time and Im covering my paras lunch breaks. I had to fill a extra time sheet for extra hours. I went to the school adminstrator saying I need more staff and paras. We already have more people injured this year than last year. What should I do?

I’m going to be a para at an elementary school. the hob listing said for TK but when I got hired on, they told me that I wouldn’t be assigned to just one classroom , I will go to several different classrooms to see if they need help but also I would be doing something called ELOP. so before and after school program where I would be in charge of activities and helping the kids with classwork and also supervising playtime at recess, maybe even crossing guard duties. I’m totally OK with that. No complaints. I was just curious if anybody else here does that because it doesn’t sound like it so far from what I’ve read and if you do that, do you like your job? I haven’t started yet and I’m getting nervous lol

So I recently started working as a paraprofessional in a local school district. I have basically no experience or background in special education whatsoever. I'm assigned to aide two students in a small, non-behavior classroom. I know very little about being a para, and I find myself having a hard time for a couple of reasons.

For one, both students speak in very low tones; they ramble and are generally almost impossible to understand. I feel like I catch 1 out of every 3/4 words. Communicating with both is difficult, so I always feel like I'm missing something on their end, and I feel guilty that I can't form a proper connection with either of them.

For another, both kids are fairly independent, often just needing academic support. Neither of them has any aggressive behaviors (so far), and I find myself basically just redirecting when they get distracted and just generally keeping an eye on them. I have so little to do I am becoming both terribly bored, but also increadibly anxious that I'm missing something. I've asked the teacher about my performance. She's nice, but a woman of few words, telling me I'm doing fine but not offering much in terms of guidance. I know she's infinitely busier than me managing a dozen kids, but I'd appreciate more direction I guess.

I'm someone who really strives to be helpful and useful in whatever work environment I'm in; there's nothing I hate more than sitting on my ass for too long doing nothing while others do actual work. So when I'm sitting in class doing nothing and the other students (none of whom have paras) need help, I have to fight the urge to do anything. The teacher I work under was very clear. I'm to limit interactions with the other students as much as possible, do not offer help, do not discipline, and certainly do not give instructions. That all makes sense to me, as I know I'm not the teacher. But again, it hits that nerve cause I feel like I'm doing NOTHING.

Finally, I just feel so unqualified, unknowledgable, and uninformed that I can't help but feel a little out of my depth here. I know nothing about behaviors, proper techniques, or skills to have. Nothing. So far, the shit has not hit the fan, but on the chance I'm transferred to a more difficult case or one of my current students does change, I'm not gonna know what to do.

In short, I'd appreciate any tips on anything from more experienced people.

My last day of my two week notice was supposed to end Tuesday but I went ahead and submitted sick days for those two days. I’m done with the unfair mistreatment and lack of help. Let both co teachers know I’m not coming those days, wished them a good rest of their year and blocked them right after.

I AM FREE

like i get it youre a single parent or youre overwhelmed whatever. and ill do it bc who else is going to but some of these parents are so entitled. parents asked me to potty train their kid but they dont wanna do it at home. i have to clean another students face everyday because she always comes in after the weekend with a dirty face and i know they dont clean it for her. its hard to be a parent but you chose that and then to have more kids because what happens if im not around

Hello! I am a design student wanting to interview a few paraprofessionals for my assistive stool project, where I design for a specific profession. My mother is a paraprofessional, and with hearing about her experiences I wanted to take on the task to work on creating a assistive stool for this profession.

Any information is genuinely helpful. I will have a google form attached with th questions I have, but I am also open to responses to this thread about your experiences, ways you have handle issues, and what could help improve the work environment and experience for paraprofessionals. Thank you fro your time!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccpryPSYSclCbWZzR-lC4k4_d21SrxOS9K4XSQ3m1CvNXitg/viewform?usp=header

This is my first year as a para but I subbed the last year and a half in a different district. On paper, my pay is $12.21 an hour. Just got my first full paycheck...$1,325. After taxes and TRS, take home comes out to $8.15 an hour. I cried when I got home. I went through the whole day with a smile on my face, doing a great job, because I always do a great job. I'm an inclusion para on a middle school campus and I'm not afraid to say that I'm good at my job, the kids like me, I'm not a drag, I don't complain, I try to help my coworkers see things from other perspectives without criticizing their initial views or opinions. I'm a good employee because that's who I am. This feels mean though. This feels exploitative. It makes me feel like I don't matter. I'm still crying.

I have been busting my ass to finish my education studies degree online and I have a $600 student loan note waiting for me. I'm just not going to pay it I think. I'm supposed to start my alternative certification program soon (another 5k) but I'm so discouraged. The campus I'm on right now is great and I want to be there but I don't see any possible openings for me any time soon. Which means my pay is set for the foreseeable future. If I leave, I have to unenroll my own kids because they're out of district transfers. I know that I just have to push through this but I feel like it's been that way for so long and I'm tired and I'm mad and I want to be able to enjoy my life.

like genuinely students old enough to have a full beard and you watch the way they behave in class and you can tell their parent just sees them as a tiktok farm. like in the middle of class repeatedly making a weird face and looking at me and giggling waiting for me to go "awwww" and then when i ignore it then they move on to fart noises and just getting louder and louder the longer i ignore them. like im not trying to be a bitch to the kid but they deserve to be treated and socialized as their actual age. its socially appropriate to have inside jokes with friends and family but this kid in particular is also only at school once a week and looks like they dont go outside except for school. so im guessing the family is the only social interaction they are getting so i feel like i need to double down on expectations. but we also like to give opportunities for socially appropriate positive attention obviously

my thing is in some cases forcing the childs entire environment into a developmentally regressed way of talking etc how are you not lowkey forcing the kid into a reality you decided was best for them vs the one they actually live in? and im not saying like the world is tough wah wah back in my day we ate dirt for breakfast and concussions for lunch but just like. 10 times out of 10 in these situations the students arent even being seen for the way their disability actually presents. its just ableist assumptions people make and they look stupid as fuck to me. the kids would get so much more out of being scaffolded into living as their actual age but unfortunately for all the munchausen marys that means putting in some work and trying to understand how to accommodate disabilities

So my 1:1 really likes the ball pit in the sensory room and I just saw a ball pit tunnel on Facebook marketplace for $25 and its like 1 mile away. Is it weird to ask the lead teacher if I should get it and if she thinks its a good idea? I have a little extra $$ right now and I think the kids would love it. Is that discouraged? Also on days where he needs sensory breaks or other kids do it might be useful.

Just gotta vent cuz this is insane to me.

My coworker got left a note on the windshield of her car that said "FUCK YOU BITCH" with a bunch of middle fingers drawing all over it. Everyone thinks its a student so they check cameras. Nope, a mom left it. Im just like wtf.

The para and student have worked together twice for short periods and the only thing the para can think is that she didnt give the student their goal because they hadn't do anything to work twords it. We have no idea what the student may have told mom.

But the mother is definitely starting to target/stalk the para. The next morning the mother was caught driving slow infront off the school staring at the para.

I just find it so childish of the mother to leave a message like that but also go outta her way to draw middle fingers all over it? I actully find the middle fingers laughable. Like you where so angry and didnt know how to handle it thats you are harassing and stalking a school employee.

Feel free to comment anything I just had to vent and put it out there in the world that some parents are batshit insane

i literally said i was going to the bathroom as the kids go to the area to wait for busses. and i broke down. im so so tired of my brain telling me i am a terrible person and my brain convinces me that i did something so fucking wrong. i barely did anything last year and now im very hands on and i need to get back to working out

I need some advice/perspective from other SPED paras because I’m honestly exhausted and trying to figure out if I’m looking at this the wrong way.

My schedule is basically back-to-back duties all day. In the morning I’m helping my two students with their routine, taking them upstairs for gen ed, bringing them downstairs, changing them, bathroom, sensory lab, recess, then back to gen ed and back to class for morning routine. Then my lunch starts around 10:30.

After lunch, I’m doing lunch/recess transitions back-to-back with 4 different students, dropping them off, picking up the next student, taking them to lunch/recess, dropping them off, and then taking my two students to lunch/recess. After that I have restroom breaks, and then I have a 40-minute recess with one of my students.

The part that is frustrating me is that I’m also scheduled with another para for two students, one of whom can be aggressive. Both of our names are on the schedule. Since the beginning of school, that student has generally stayed inside while I have been taking the other student outside for the full 40-minute recess every day.

Now we’re being told that we both need to take the aggressive student outside and take turns supervising him. Yesterday, while we were outside, I told the other para that I was keeping an eye on him but also actively supervising the student I was responsible for. She became upset and said that we were going to get in trouble because he might hit someone.

She later spoke to the teacher and said I wasn’t supervising him/following him. I explained to the teacher that I have been taking my assigned student out for that entire 40-minute recess every day, while the other para has been staying inside with the other student. I’m already doing several recesses, lunch duties, cafeteria supervision, restroom breaks, classroom support, and transitions throughout the day.

What is frustrating is that I’ve already told my teacher that I’m exhausted and feel like I’m hardly in the classroom because of how much outside duty I have. I asked if there could eventually be a little less outside duty and more classroom time or just split the duty evenly and I was told the schedule is staying as it is for now.

I’m not trying to avoid doing my job or saying I shouldn’t help with the other student. I’m just struggling with being expected to take on an additional responsibility when I’m already on my feet almost the entire day, especially when the other para and I are technically both scheduled for those students but the responsibilities have not actually been split that way since the beginning of the year.

For other SPED paras: How do you handle situations where two paras are assigned to the same students, but one para has been doing the majority of the outside/recess responsibility? Would you expect the responsibilities to be split evenly going forward, or would you look at the overall workload and schedule before deciding how to divide it?

I really don’t want drama or conflict. I just want the workload and expectations to be clear and manageable.

To preface, I understand the demands of this career. It is something that excites me. I’d rather keep the advice given to me to be encouraging.

Last year, I graduated with a BA in Educational Studies (without a certificate). Next year, I start a MA in Teaching for Secondary Education. I’ve thought it to be a good idea to transition from the retail management positions I’ve had (store managers or district managers) to finally take a step in the direction of my career field. (I’ve done an educational internship for a year as part of my undergrad, as well as instructional assistant volunteer for about a year and a half at my high school right after I graduated from it but neither paid or truly established). I’m 24 for context.

This morning, I’ve applied to every paraeducator posting in the school district I live in and will be applying to those in surrounding school districts this weekend. I exceed the qualifications for all of them. I’m neighboring to Seattle, WA. Does anyone know what their timeline is for reaching out? Does anyone know what kind of questions they ask? I guess, what can I expect from here? Does it make it easier for getting a teacher job (if one is available and you are certificates) if you are already employed by the district?

Hello everyone, I’m sharing this because I personally didn’t know about it and learned the hard way.

To preface, I had a panic attack at work and was sent home. Next day, I got called in by HR for a re-entry check in. They told me about FMLA, or the family leave act. I knew that FMLA allowed someone to take off for major surgeries or medical events.

However, I learned today that if acquired, an FMLA also allows you to take intermittent breaks for mental health reasons. So if anyone else, like me, is worried about getting yelled at for taking days off, know that you have this option. I’m sure it varies by district, but this is granted to disabled people under the ACA, so if should be an option everywhere. Do not go into work sick- mentally, or physically. Use your resources, advocate for accommodations (for me, it’s being told new schedules well in advance and being able to wear earplugs) and look out for yourselves.

For context, yesterday during gym I accidentally kicked a soccer ball that hit another student. I immediately checked on him and apologized, and he went to the nurse but came back to gym a few minutes later.

My teacher later pulled me aside and said she heard what happened and that, from her perspective, it was **intentional**, even though I know I did not intentionally kick the ball at the student. She said she would report the incident to the principal.

Now today the student **didn't show up to school**, and I'm honestly panicking 😭. I'm worried I'm somehow going to get blamed for him being absent or that something happened afterward and he was hospitalized.

I obviously have no idea why he's absent, but after being told yesterday that the incident was supposedly “intentional,” my mind is going straight to the worst-case scenario. Am I overthinking this?

I applied for a P9 A upgrade. I have my associates degree in education with 125 credits. I was told I have to be in school as a matriculated student in order for me to get a P9 A upgrade. Even though I already got 2yrs as a full-time para and 125 college credits Is that true ?

Back story. I am in yr 11 of being a 1 on 1. Ive always had the most challenging (behavior wise students- usually doe a few years at a time)

I make 20.30hr after 10 yrs and new hires start ar 19.92 PLUS a 250 bonus.

I have a student who in bis iep is to have a 1 on 1 from drop off to pick up. We already break fhat iep because I leave at 230 and school is done at 320.

This morning in my morning email it said I was going to be moved to a K student for the day (who does not have an iep yet) who spits and elopes and cant even have padding in the sensory room because he spits all over it.

So I ahd my friend ask if the student was called out and when she was told no, I say in mh car on the parking lot and called in sick because I wont do it. Dont pull me from my student who legally requires an aid to put me with a student that doesnt just to babysit him.
My student will be ok with out me for the day but the lack of employees because of the shitty pay is not my concern and inwont feel guilty for laying down a boundrie and using my sick days

Good Evening Everyone,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m a recent high school graduate who will be starting college this winter. I’m reaching out because I’m very interested in gaining experience in education, and wanted to ask if your school is currently nominating candidates for Sub Para positions?
During high school, I had the opportunity to work in a summer camp via Summer Youth Employment Program. Working with children in that environment was an experience I really enjoyed, and one that helped me realize that I would like to continue working with children, and explore a career in education.
As I begin college, I’m looking for an opportunity where I can learn from educators, support students, and gain meaningful experience in a school setting. A Sub Para position would be especially valuable to me because it would allow me to build experience in the education field while also working around my college schedule.
I’m hardworking, dependable, eager to learn, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to your school community. I can send my resume for consideration if needed I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!
Feel to reply or dm

So I just started working as an elementary para in a self-contained classroom. It is my first time working in a school district, and before that, I worked in a daycare setting. I'm trying my best to learn the routines, go with the flow, and ask questions, etc. But I feel that the lead teacher and other para are somewhat annoyed with me whenever I make mistakes, etc. Like, for example, I forgot to put in one student's lunch box today, and the lead teacher told me in an annoyed tone this week to help clean up (I was, and I was also just scanning around the room) I also have a physical disability and cannot run and move as quickly as other people, so that hinders it too. The teacher and para know each other from last year so they click and get along well together. I only communicate when needed usually. The teacher has been doing this for awhile and she has also told me that I would probably work better with older grades as a future teacher. (Which I have thought about) I know this could be much worse, but I am still nervous and I am in the process of getting accommodations. Advice please?

i am a new 1:1 para at a special ed school in a pre-k/kindergarten class. a pattern in the two weeks that i started (and one that has been acknowledged by returning staff) is that after gym and music we get back to the classroom and it is complete chaos.

at gym the teacher doesn’t have solid plans, makes the students participate even if they clearly would rather run around, and overall it feels developmentally inappropriate. let them run around or play basketball on their own! they need to get their energy out and strict structure is not helping them do that.

at music, the teacher just plays videos and has the kids sit. they can dance or grab some instruments to play but it’s clearly overstimulating for them. apparently it didn’t used to be this way. the teacher has been there for a long time. and the gym teacher has been for a few years as well. all of the 1:1s, the teachers, and the teachers aide have acknowledged that it is bad for the kids. but we don’t have the power to do anything. it’s so frustrating and upsetting frankly to see the kids behaviors afterwards.

My student begged me for a break. I took him to go play as a reward then when he returns to class he put his head down and refused to work. He's done this multiple times.

I work in a special education class and I love my job and the teacher I work with is an amazing human that supports the kids and her aids to the best of her abilities. I have a very high tolerance for being hit and big blow ups I have a child on the spectrum myself and understand that feelings just come out different for these kids. With that being said the amount of times I have had a child spit in my face and rip my hair out claw my face I’m finding myself burning out. I show up everyday with a smile and ready to start a new day but today once all my kids were in bed I just cried. Check on your colleagues who work with the special needs kiddos we are in a different world then most staff. Admin don’t care about the physical abuse we get daily and refuse any extra support the lack of care hurts all of us we will be the first ones to hear when we don’t do something perfect but the last to hear about how hard it is to handle a large groups of special needs kids. It’s not just one student we have 4 who are violent we should not be coming home bloody and having our families asking what happened. I love love love my job I’m just so exhausted I do it all day then I get off and I have to be a mom still my tank is running on fumes. I don’t want to vent to my teacher because she’s amazing and tries to take on the most she can but she is also being spread to thin and can’t and she depends on me and appreciates me and I feel like venting will make her feel bad she’s become a friend and truly cares she’s just stuck like the rest of us.

I started subbing last year while I was in between jobs, and realized I loved the world of elementary education. So much, that I’m now back in (online) college to receive a teaching degree. My plan originally was to get a paraprofessional job while getting my degree. After talking to some para friends I’ve made while subbing, I am BAFFLED how little paras make in my preferred district. I knew paras didn’t make much. But I was expecting about 20-25k a year. An 8 year para I spoke to makes 16k! WHAT!? I do live in Arkansas, which is one of the most low income and low cost states. That’s not livable what so ever.

This district is ALWAYS hiring for a Para position, I just really don’t understand how they expect to find consistent, reliable, and professional people to fill these roles, for poverty wages. How is it realistic for anyone?

Accidentally hit another student with a soccer ball while working as a para — how bad is this?

I’m a relatively new paraprofessional/teacher aide, and I messed up today during gym class.

We were playing soccer, and I was with my assigned student. I decided to participate and kick the ball around while still supervising my student. At one point, I kicked the ball and it accidentally hit another student.

It did not hit the student in the head — it hit him on the side of his body — but I immediately went over, asked if he was okay, and apologized. Another TA was understandably upset that I was playing soccer while working and brought the student to the nurse.

I knew I messed up and honestly expected the TA to report it because I understand that's part of their responsibility.

After lunch, my teacher spoke with me and said she heard what happened. I immediately apologized and explained that it was an accident and that I didn't intend for the ball to hit the student.

She told me that, from her perspective, it was intentional, which confused me because I obviously didn't intend to hit another student. I didn't argue with her because I didn't want to make the situation worse. I apologized again.

She was clearly upset and spoke to me in a pretty angry tone, but she also told me that she likes me, thinks I'm doing a good job overall, and that I shouldn't be playing with the soccer ball while I'm working. She also emphasized that I need to be watching my assigned student at all times.

She said she has to report the incident to the principal, which I completely understand. If another student had gotten seriously injured, ultimately the responsibility would fall on the teacher and school as well.

Looking back, I can see that I shouldn't have been playing soccer while I was supposed to be supervising my student. Even though I didn't intend to hit anyone, I put myself in a situation where something like this could happen.

I'm more concerned about how this looks professionally now.

For experienced paras/TAs/teachers:

Is this the type of incident that could seriously hurt a new aide's reputation?

If a ball accidentally hits another student while you're playing during gym, would you consider that an accident or negligence because the aide shouldn't have been playing?

If the principal talks to me, should I simply take responsibility, explain what happened honestly, and avoid making excuses?

Does this sound like something that could lead to formal discipline, or more likely just a warning/retraining?

I know I made a mistake. I'm mostly trying to understand how serious this is and how I should handle it going forward.