Paraprofessionals need monthly meetings to communicate and network with each other, support and encourage each other, share curriculum modifications and adaptations, and learn about or engage in opportunities for further training. Role of the Paraprofessional Paraprofessionals participate in the monthly meetings by deciding the agenda, co-facilitating the meetings, designing the meeting evaluation surveys, compiling the results, giving teacher feedback, and providing materials and speakers. When training opportunities occur outside the school site, paraprofessionals share what they learned with staff that did not attend. Impact on Students Paraprofessionals are more effective as they work with various students with special needs. They share knowledge, materials, and strategies, and solve problems together.
Students benefit from the collective expertise of the paraprofessionals.
Paraprofessionals have ownership in the structure and content of the meetings, and they have been trained in how to effectively run meetings so that a sense of accomplishment occurs. Members are compensated for their attendance, under the terms of the paraprofessional contract. Administrative support has been a critical factor in establishing these meetings, which meet the needs of the paraprofessionals. About Pockets of Excellence Pockets of Excellence identifies schools that are exemplary in use of effective strategies or practices for supporting, training, supervising, planning with, and retaining paraprofessionals. Nominations are solicited yearly from students, family members, educators, and organizations.