Speaker: Keely Keller, Course Writer, Teaching Channel
What is EQUIP for Student-facing Paraprofessionals?
Keely Keller: I'm so excited to tell you today about equip for student-facing paraprofessionals. This is an offering that includes two things, one, a 10-hour asynchronous course for paraprofessionals in our canvas LMS. And it also includes 10 PLC or focus activities for your in district facilitators to use as A PLC or offering for paraprofessionals. These are perfect for staff development days. It can be used as your stand alone training program for paraprofessionals or you can combine this program with existing training for your paras as well.
Who is this program for?
Keely Keller: This program is for any paraprofessional, para-educator, instructional assistant, teaching assistant, whatever you call paraprofessional supporting students in your district. It is written specifically for paraprofessionals who work directly with students, including students with disabilities. It also is great for new paraprofessionals who have not done the job before and are not familiar with the role and responsibilities of a paraprofessional. But it can also be used with veteran paraprofessionals who are just eager to brush up on their skills.
What can participants expect from the program?
Keely Keller: Program participants can expect to complete a pre and post rating scale so they can see their learning across the course and that is focused directly on core competencies for paraprofessionals. They will set learning goals. They will investigate different topics aligned with core competencies like behavior management, instructional support, professionalism, confidentiality, special education law, and much much more, they'll have opportunities to apply their learning through tools and templates that they can download and customize and use with students or team members the very next day after completion of an assessment at the end of the course, they will earn a letter of completion for 10-hours of professional learning.
Why is this EQUIP for Paraprofessionals worth the investment for district leaders?
Keely Keller: There are two reasons for districts to invest in equip for student facing paraprofessionals. And the first one is success, success of the student oftentimes students who need additional support, the success of the teachers and staff members who are working directly with the paraprofessionals and also the success, the paraprofessional themselves. And we know that when staff members including paraprofessionals feel like they are successful, they are more likely to stay in their positions, which means increased retention for school districts and lower costs for replacement of paraprofessionals.
