u/Effective_Sandwich80

I’m currently working as a long term substitute paraprofessional in a District 75 elementary setting and would appreciate advice on what I should focus on moving forward. From November to May I was mainly working in more of a classroom para role, but recently I was moved into more of a teaching assistant role where I follow a cluster and work closely with a staff member who has been mentoring me. I’ve also started doing mini lessons with students. One of the APs encouraged the mentorship because I’m studying to become a teacher, and the classroom I was previously in seemed to really enjoy working with me.

It’s honestly been a learning experience as a first year para in District 75 trying to get the basics down. I’ve been at my school since November, and moving from classroom to classroom has actually helped me see a lot of different teaching styles, behavior systems, and ways staff handle situations. I do feel confident in a lot of areas and have received positive feedback, but I still want to improve more with conflict management.

For example, today I was in the cafeteria during 8th period and two students started arguing over a board game. I was observing at first because I’m only with that group during 8th period, I do not have an assigned student at that time, and I only started working with that group about two weeks ago. I’m still learning student names, triggers, routines, and classroom dynamics. Another para stepped in to handle the situation and later told me I need to continue working on conflict management, especially since I eventually want to teach middle or high school. I understood the feedback, but situations like that can be difficult when you are newer to a group and still learning the students and classroom dynamics. I also sometimes wonder if end of the year stress and burnout can affect how staff respond to situations or give feedback to newer paras.

At the same time, I’ve also overheard teachers speaking positively about me to administration, saying I stay calm with students, work well with behavior management, and am continuing to improve with conflict management and classroom management. During work time I was trusted to run task bins and collect PBIS data as well. Recently I also moved into more of a teaching assistant role where I follow a cluster, work closely with a mentor, and do mini lessons with students.

I’ve also been trying to take on leadership opportunities around the school by helping create the school news program, assisting with school events, and helping with performances and shows. Next year I’m hoping to join committees as well. My long term goal is to teach middle or high school social studies once I finish my History 7–12 BA with a minor in Disability Studies next year, eventually earn a master’s degree in special education, and hopefully move into school administration later in my career. Sometimes I also go home overthinking situations and wondering if I should have handled something differently.

What advice would you give for getting stronger with conflict management and learning when to step in versus when to observe and let staff who know the students better handle the situation?

I’m currently a long-term paraprofessional since November in a D75 program and still learning every day. I work closely with students during instruction, transitions, behaviors, and school activities, and I’m continuing to improve my classroom management, de-escalation skills, and overall support for both students and staff. The other paraprofessionals and staff in my classroom have also given me a lot of helpful advice, feedback, and tips throughout the year, which has helped me grow professionally. I would really appreciate hearing advice and experiences from other paras who have worked in D75 programs, especially about what helped you become more successful over time.