Working With Paraprofessionals

Inclusion, ARD/IEP Supports, Instruction

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The Working with Paraprofessionals Guide is designed to help educators maximize the impact of paraprofessionals in both general and special education classrooms. It provides a flexible framework—not a rigid set of rules—for fostering meaningful collaboration that supports students with disabilities.

Key highlights include:

  • Clarification of instructional roles, focusing on paraprofessionals’ contributions to learning rather than non-instructional tasks like feeding or positioning.
  • Emphasis on individualized support, recognizing that paraprofessional involvement should vary based on student needs, instructional settings, and lesson formats (e.g., whole group, small group, reteach).
  • Legal references to state and federal guidelines, ensuring that practices align with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Texas regulations.
  • Conversation starters for campus teams, encouraging districts and schools to reflect on how paraprofessionals are deployed and supported.

This guide is ideal for teachers, instructional leaders, and administrators seeking to build inclusive, collaborative classrooms. It promotes thoughtful planning and communication to ensure paraprofessionals are empowered to deliver high-quality instructional support tailored to each student’s needs