Classroom Management for Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals are an invaluable asset to children and teachers in elementary classrooms. Also known as teachers' assistants, they help children with academic, social and behavioral skills. Paraprofessionals assist with classroom management by reinforcing school and class rules and implementing the system of rewards and consequences fairly and consistently. Teachers rely on their assistance in observing and defusing situations that may cause disruption in the classroom. The paraprofessional and the teacher work as a team to maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment.
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Significance
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Teachers rely on their assistant for help with many aspects of the educational routine, but classroom management is among the most important. Children learn and thrive in an environment where they can be at ease with teachers and one another. A well-managed classroom is conducive to creating such an atmosphere. The paraprofessional serves as another monitor in the room, helping students with work and settling minor disputes before they become major problems. The teacher is unable to do this effectively by herself.
Considerations
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Ideally, paraprofessionals will be trained in classroom management techniques when they are hired. They should be well-versed in the policies of the school and district and be made aware of their responsibilities. This is necessary because there will invariably be times when the assistant will be in the classroom by themselves. This happens when the teacher is called away in an emergency or has to attend a meeting. Paraprofessionals should know procedures to follow for handling major behavioral problems that may arise.
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Features
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Paraprofessionals do have a few limitations concerning implementation of classroom management plans. Most schools do not allow them to apply corporal punishment or write official discipline referrals. However, they are supposed to deal with minor infractions and can administer punishments in accordance with school policy. For example, a paraprofessional may change a student's seat or write their name on the board for excessive talking or causing disruption in the classroom. The teacher will usually communicate with parents and administrators about follow-up procedures if they are deemed necessary.
Expert Insight
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Schools frequently ask their paraprofessionals to serve in the capacity of the lead teacher. This makes it essential that the assistant know how to run the classroom on their own with short notice. When the teacher is absent, a substitute teacher is called but may no little about a particular class's schedule and the teacher's routines. Some students will use this opportunity to misbehave, especially if they sense that the substitute is unsure about policies. The paraprofessional then steps into the teacher's position, and the substitute performs the duties of the assistant. Most subs are grateful for such an arrangement, as evidenced in an article on Education World's website.
Benefits
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Paraprofessionals who are trained in classroom management techniques provide a distinct advantage for the lead teachers. They will have more time to devote to instruction without the distraction of handling every problem in the classroom. Teachers are also able to help more students individually and observe progress more efficiently if their assistant is handling daily behavioral issues.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit chldren teaching image by Julia Britvich from Fotolia.com
