In this must-listen episode of Teach. Task Box. Inspire., Lisa Hollady highlights a crucial, yet often overlooked aspect of preparing your special education classroom: how to train paraprofessionals. Lisa walks you through the essential steps to ensure your paraprofessionals are ready to hit the ground running before the school year begins.
First, Lisa emphasizes the importance of setting clear daily expectations for your paraprofessionals. This includes everything from behavior supports to specific tasks they’ll handle in the classroom. Establishing these guidelines early on helps set a consistent tone and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Building a strong team culture is also key. Lisa shares strategies for fostering trust and open communication with your paraprofessionals. This strong foundation ensures that you work as a cohesive unit to support your students.
Lastly, Lisa recommends implementing a few simple systems to keep things running smoothly throughout the year. Tools like para binders, prompting visuals, and clear center instructions can make a huge difference in day-to-day classroom management.
By setting these systems in place early, you’ll create an organized, efficient classroom where both teachers and paraprofessionals work seamlessly together to meet the needs of your students.
🔹 What to teach your paras before Day One (and what not to assume)
🔹 Tools that make para training easy and effective
🔹 How to build buy-in, trust, and team culture
Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast is your go-to educational podcast dedicated to making your job as a special education teacher easier and more enjoyable. Your host, Lisa Hollady, is a veteran special education teacher with a passion for helping teachers like you make a real difference in the lives of your students.
In your demanding roles, you’re constantly juggling various responsibilities, from differentiated instruction and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to data collection, and, of course, teaching. That’s where task boxes come in.
Task boxes aren’t just teaching tools. They’re the key to unlocking student independence, student engagement, and personalized learning. Through this podcast, you’ll uncover the incredible task box benefits for your special needs students and practical implementation tips that you can take to your classroom.
Tune in each Monday for a new episode that will equip you with essential strategies and motivation to approach your week with confidence and enthusiasm. Topics will include task box activities, social and emotional development, adaptive teaching, inclusive teaching, supporting diverse learners, classroom management, scheduling, visual aids, and more.
If you’re looking for more special education resources and support to increase student independence, check out Lisa’s FREE training.
I am a High School, self-contained Autism teacher from Central New York, who is passionate about individualizing student learning. I am a mommy of three, lover of all things Disney, married to my best friend and addicted to chocolate!! I hope that you find great ideas and inspiration here, so welcome!!
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