u/Kitchen_Concept6615

First-time para here! Tomorrow is my first day of school and I feel a stupid asking this 😅 but what do you guys actually use your laptop/tablet for during the school day?

I was given both, but I’m not really sure what I’m expected to use them for yet. Do you use them for student data, communication, lesson materials, documenting behaviors/progress, helping students with assignments, etc.?

I’ll be working in a 1st grade special education classroom. Any other “things I wish I knew on my first day” advice is VERY welcome too! 🤍

I just accepted a position as a special education paraprofessional, and if I’m being honest, I’m really nervous.

I feel like every time I search for information, all I find are posts from people who are burnt out or hate the job. It’s making me question whether I’m making the right decision.

The only reason I even went to the interview was because my aunt has been a special education para for over 11 years. She told me she thought I had the patience and heart for it, and that meant a lot to me. I have a degree in Child Development, I’m 34 with two kids of my own and only recently started thinking that maybe someday I’d like to become a teacher. Right now, though, I’m mostly trying to help support my husband while he’s working toward becoming a firefighter.

I’ve worked at Starbucks for a while and honestly, I love it most of the time. The biggest issue is the inconsistent hours. This new school is literally two minutes from my house, which is amazing, and I was officially told by HR today that my start date is the first day of school.

But I’m also confused. During my interview, they mentioned I’d have training the week before school starts because I’ve never worked with kids in a school setting, let alone in special education. I haven’t heard anything about that yet, and I also have no idea what my schedule will be. EdJoin listed 30 hours a week, but is it usually just school hours?

I guess I’m just looking for some reassurance. Does anyone here genuinely love being a special education paraprofessional? What does a typical day look like? Any advice for someone who’s brand new and wants to do a good job? I don’t want to let my family down, the school down & I definitely don’t want to let the kids in my classroom down but I’m scared because I’ve been reading a lot of post talking about feeling unsupported & I’m afraid I’m already feeling that way & I haven’t even started.

My husband is 33 and seriously considering applying to the San Francisco Police Department. We’re trying to get an honest assessment from people who have gone through the process or work in law enforcement.

Some background:

•	He recently earned his GED.

•	He has no criminal record.

•	He has been sober for over 10 years. (He used to use hard drugs for like 7 years of his life) 

•	He has visible tattoos (arms, hands, and neck).

•	He has ADHD and dyslexia.

•	He has some past traffic violations from years ago, but everything has been resolved.

•	He has been out of the workforce for a few years due to health issues (he has an autoimmune disease similar to MS) but has recently recovered & is actively working toward getting back into a career & has his heart set on SFPD. 

•	He is physically capable (a body builder) and is preparing for the academy requirements.

He truly believes God gave him so many chances at life & so much grit to work as a positive force in bad communities. He’s already applied & has his test in August I’m so afraid of going through it all to see him be rejected?

Based on your experience, would he be a competitive candidate for SFPD? What do you think would be the biggest concerns during backgrounds, psych, or the hiring process?

Also, for those who have gone through the process recently, how difficult is it to get hired right now compared to previous years?

Thanks in advance for any insight.