Empowering Paraeducators for Inclusive Education with Renay Marquez

About the Guest(s): Renay Marquez is a co-founder of ParaEducate, an organization dedicated to supporting paraeducators with resources, training, and curriculum modifications for inclusive classrooms. With a background in architecture from the University of Southern California and extensive experience working as a paraeducator since 2003, Renay is well-versed in modifying curriculum, collecting data, and exploring technology solutions for students with disabilities. Throughout her career, she has been a fierce advocate for inclusive education and providing practical support for peer educators and teachers.

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas sits down with Renay Marquez, co-founder of ParaEducate. They delve into Renay's journey, the inception of ParaEducate, and how the organization supports paraeducators with tools and strategies for fostering inclusive classrooms. From discussing her role and experience in a mostly inclusive district to sharing practical resources and tips, Renay provides valuable insights into the world of educational support for students with disabilities.

Throughout the episode, keywords such as "inclusive education," "paraeducators," "curriculum modification," and "inclusive classrooms" are explored. Renay shares the foundational elements of their work at ParaEducate, including how they started, the importance of thoughtful modifications, and their collaboration with both general and special education teachers. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the nuanced approach required for successful inclusion in schools, along with practical suggestions for making educational environments more inclusive and supportive for all students.

Transcript: https://c80acee1-5663-46ff-a2d6-b4cf328e0b7f.usrfiles.com/ugd/c80ace_3de154b3e92c4d1398ab59a39a4ce37b.pdf

Key Takeaways:

• Founding ParaEducate: Renay Marquez explains the origins of ParaEducate, a platform created to provide paraeducators with essential tools and training for supporting inclusive education.
• Inclusive Education Strategies: Practical suggestions on how to implement inclusive practices, such as making curriculum modifications and using technology tools to support students with disabilities.
• Collaboration: The importance of collaborative efforts between paraeducators, general education teachers, and special education case managers to ensure the successful inclusion of students.
• Utilizing Technology: Recommendations for technology tools, like the math app Math Mod and the use of digital devices, to enhance learning and make modifications.
• Progress and Barriers: Renay discusses both the progress made in inclusive education and the ongoing barriers, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and adaptability.

Resources:

ParaEducate: https://paraeducate.com/

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org

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