A trademark of all professionals is a commitment to continual growth. You as a mentor are modeling this commitment by pursuing your own growth through participating in this module. Authentic and sustained professional growth is more likely when professional development activities are targeted and tailored to the needs of the individual learner.
One way to ensure that professional learning is targeted and tailored is through self-assessment based on a set of standards for the profession. Previously in this unit, we explored the nationally recognized CEC Core Competencies for Special Education Paraeducators as one such set of standards. OPEPP has developed a self-assessment for paras based on the CEC competencies. This guide may also be helpful. Your school or district may have its own self-assessment based on local priorities and expectations for paraeducators.
Whatever self-assessment you use, reflective self-assessment is the first step for engaging in meaningful and substantive professional learning.
Once your para has identified an area for growth, they will identify one or two growth goals and complete the Professional Growth Plan. Professional learning opportunities should align with those goals.
Depending on the goal(s) of your para, the following professional organizations can be a great starting point for resources. Other possible PD resources were listed previously in this unit.
- National Resource Center for Paraeducators, Related Service Providers, and Interveners
- International Literacy Association
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
- National Education Association
- National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals
- Council of Exceptional Children – Competencies for Paraprofessionals
Wherever your pareducator’s professional growth journey takes them, it should begin with a self-assessment of their needs based on their experience as measured against a set of standardized professional expectations for their practice
Reflect
Why do you think it’s important to have a set of standards as the basis for a meaningful self-assessment for your para?