Ep. 47: Managing Paras in Special Education: Building Teamwork, Accountability, and Clear Boundaries

Working with paras in special education classrooms can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin share practical strategies for creating a positive, productive environment for paras, fostering teamwork, and addressing common issues like problem behaviors and resistance to change. 

✨ Key Takeaways

• 📝 Set clear expectations: Overcommunicate and provide written resources like para binders for clarity.  
• 🌟 Acknowledge strengths: Reinforce and assign tasks that align with your paras' skills while preventing burnout.  
• 🛑 Address issues early: Redirect problem behaviors quickly and document actions for accountability.  
• 🤝 Respect and teamwork: Approach paras with respect and encourage collaboration through team-building activities.  
• 🔄 Support growth: Provide feedback, training, and creative solutions to address challenges like cliques or inexperience.  

📚 Resources

•  🖼️ FREE Visuals from the episode today
• 🗂 Caitlin's Staff Training & Para Binder: This bundle includes the perfect professional development resources to help staff feel prepared to accommodate these learners.  
• 🎥 Modeling Techniques: Use in-class opportunities to demonstrate best practices for paras.  
• 📋 Documentation Tips: Track issues and interventions for clarity and communication with admin.  
• 🤗 Random Acts of Gratitude: Small gestures, like bagels or coffee, can boost team morale.  
• 💬 Join Our Facebook Group: Connect with us and share your experiences at The Misfit Behaviorists.  

Join Us...
🎙 Next Episode: Setting up special education schedules! 
🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
💬 Get Involved: Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists
📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. 

#abaclassroom #specialeducation #autismresources #abatherapy #behavioranalysis #teacherpodcast

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!