Making the Paraprofessional and Teacher Relationship Work

A good working relationship between the classroom paraprofessional and the teacher can certainly help the student learning environment. When both adults work cooperatively, learning and teaching goes smoothly.

But there are times when the match between a parapro and a teacher is all wrong and the classroom can become the site of a struggle for authority. When that happens, it’s time for some basic conflict-resolution strategies.

Here are some issues that need to be addressed:

• Make sure you and the teacher are clear about expectations. How can you best support the teaching and learning in your classroom?

• Check out your job description. What are you required to do? What are you “allowed” to do?

• Find out specifically what the teacher needs to have done—grading, clerical support, tutoring, classroom management.

• Assess the teacher’s strengths and experiences along with your own. How do you combine such a wealth of skills so that everyone benefits?

• Go over your evaluation form with your teacher before evaluation time comes. Talk about each area; make sure both of you understand the requirements, expectations and issues to be covered in the evaluation.

• Remember—if you’re feeling awkward about the parapro/teacher relationship, the teacher probably is too. Choose a quiet time and place to talk about your perceptions.

• Keep in mind that many teachers, especially new ones, have no idea how to supervise or work with another adult. They don’t teach this subject in college. And if you’re the one with the most experience, you could be pretty intimidating to a new teacher.

Updated: February 18, 2009 6:55 PM