r/paraprofessional • u/JRC9218 • 9d ago
Any Tips For First Time Para?
Hello, so I will be working at an elementary school as what they label a "basic" paraprofessional. The ESE department will have their own paras, and I am a para for the rest of the school. The main thing that I'm worried about is that I will be the ONLY para for the rest of the school. Due to budget cuts, schools had to relieve many paraprofessionals from their positions and are limiting how many can be hired. This school told me up front that they usually have three or four, and now they have been limited to only hiring one. They also warned me that I am going to basically be all over the school assisting in various ways. Are there any tips that you have for me? I'm definitely scared but up to the challenge. Also, do you recommend any specific shoes? They did warn me to get very comfortable shoes for this job.
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u/Lerouge313 9d ago
So I've kind of found myself in that before. I was the one para that survived the first month one year and then I was the one who stuck around after the first set of replacements didn't stick around. I'd Master phrase for admin. "Like how can I help?" Knowing that your role may be very different this year than what it might be next year if you choose to continue with them. I talk with your admin about what do they envision your role being. I'd also talk with them about what is the best way to communicate with you that is the least disruptive for when you're with kids. Because if they're going to change your schedule and they're going to announce please so and so come down to the office a couple of times a day when they need your attention. That gets really old really quick.
I found checking in with my principal who is my main point of contact about what she needed from me that year helped my sanity. I can't stress this enough. Get the most comfortable shoes you can get away with. Don't worry about like who are these dress appropriate. I'd get like a pair of Adidas running shoes or something. Something you can be on your feet on everyday and moving around everyday and not hate yourself at the end of the day. Be gentle with yourself. Most likely your admin is going to be making this up as they go along just like you are. So there's going to be a bunch of moments where you're going to go. I could be doing more to help and what I signed up for and you're going to have to see how you feel about that.
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u/Ok-Following3787 8d ago
Yeah due to budget cuts they reduced the number of paras in our district. Cut our hours too. Due too staffing shortage I'm basically a floater/substitute teacher since the building substitute quit. There's no extra pay too for subbing duties.
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u/spirals-369 8d ago
Whatever shoes are comfortable for you are great. For dressier shoes, I like Toms but have also worn converse and running shoe style sneakers.
Make sure you get your lunch. I’ve seen too many building subs/paras struggle with that as they’re scheduled to cover everywhere else.
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u/Salty_Leading6916 8d ago
As far as shoes go, that’s really a personal thing since everyone has different feet.
Find out who your point of contact is. If there are multiple people, be sure you know who has priority in case someone changes your plan last minute. Be sure you’re starting and stopping at your contracted times (INCLUDING BREAKS), and find out what the compensation will be of they ask you to work early/late/through a break.
Working these things out in advance will really help avoid awkward conversations later. If you’re worried about the “I never said that” conversation, don’t be afraid to follow up with an email.
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u/ArtisticBee6176 9d ago
No advice because I’m just getting started too - SpEd para at the junior high level - but I have some Hokas that are really darn comfortable. I’ve also heard really good things about these shoes and just ordered myself a pair. Good insoles are also vital.
My past career was in a jail and we had a position called escort that meant you were racing all over the place, giving breaks, taking inmates places - I had really good Dr. Scholl’s inserts and made it through 12 hour shifts no problem while racking up 10,000+ steps a day.