Utah Special Education Paraeducator Handbook - Granite School ...

You will also work with other people. However, that doesn't make them members of your instructional
team. This may include secretaries, custodians, and other teachers.
Administrators are part of instructional teams even though you may not interact with them on a regular
basis. They have the ultimate responsibility for what happens in the school or program they supervise. In
most schools, administrators are responsible for hiring and firing of school personnel.
It is required by law that you work under the direction, supervision, and authority of licensed personnel.
The supervision may be obvious or it may be more subtle depending on your particular role. You should
always be a member of an instructional team and taking direction from that team.
It is inappropriate for you to refuse to follow the directions of your supervisor unless you are asked to
perform duties for which you have not been trained or are outside of your job description.
The second step of being a member of the instructional team is to know and support the policies and
procedures of your school and school district. Ideally, as a new employee, you were given this
information when you were hired. If you weren't, it would be wise to search it out. If your supervising
professional does not have this information, go to your school administrator. If he doesn't have it, ask
your human resource department.
B. Use effective communication skills (written, verbal, nonverbal)
Communication occurs in many different ways. It could be written, nonverbal, or verbal. Whether you
realize it or not, the way you communicate provides a role model for the students you serve.
Effective communicators are valued employees in all professions and situations. An effective
communicator will:
Demonstrate professionalism.
o Use correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, etc.
o Speak and write clearly.
o Avoid slang and profanity.
o Be a positive role model to students in the way you speak and act.
o Avoid negative talk about other staff members, students, and their families.
Listen with the intent of understanding the message.
Ask questions.
o Paraphrase to check the meaning of the message.
o Seek clarification and additional information, if necessary.
o Encourage others to talk and share.
Have a positive and upbeat attitude.
Be able to explain a problem or give information in a concise, factual manner.
Stay calm and cool.
Share information in a timely manner.
Focus on the positive aspects of a challenging situation. Good things can come out of difficult
situations. However, it takes work to discover and capitalize on them.
Acknowledge the contributions, knowledge, and expertise of others.
Utah Paraeducator Handbook Page 46