2022 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Paraeducators provide critical support for students by addressing learning gaps and providing important interventions to ensure progress and growth. However, paraeducators are often on their own when it comes to implementing these strategies and using existing resources to support student success. In this interactive session, participants will learn about a year-long professional learning design that supports paraeducators to deepen their understanding of the Utah Standards for Instructional Paraeducators, improve instructional practices, and increase collaboration between paraeducators and classroom teachers that leads to improved outcomes for students.

Specifically, participants will learn about the tools and strategies that support paraeducators to increase competence and confidence in:

Supporting a positive student-centered learning environment

Using appropriate pacing in small group settings

Implementing effective instructional strategies and engagement strategies, particularly in small group setting

Communicating with teachers, including feedback on student performance

Participants will have time to identify strategies for designing effective professional learning for paraeducators in their own settings, including sample tools and templates used to inform ongoing professional learning.