The Great Paraprofessional Series: Tailored to Your District
Updated: Oct 6
Available as a Workshop by Terra Geer
Schools rely on paraprofessionals to meet the ever-increasing demands in school districts. Yet, finding the time and resources to train and retain paras can be an on-going challenge. We can help.
This inspiring and practical series is designed to equip paraprofessionals with the essential skills, knowledge, and strategies they need to effectively support students and teachers in the classroom.
Whether you want a multiple-day series or need short doses built around your professional development schedule, let us help you design exactly what you need.
Here are our 8 most requested trainings:
Behavior Basics That Work
Decoding student behavior and responding with confidence
This session helps paras handle behaviors in today’s complex classrooms by equipping them with key skills, including understanding behaviors, developing trust, setting boundaries, de-escalating challenging situations, and communicating clearly.
Behavior-Related Disabilities in the Classroom
What to expect and what helps
This session answers two key questions: What do behavior-related disabilities actually look like in the classroom, including ED and OHI? And what evidence-based strategies can paras use to address them?
Five High-Impact Strategies for Special Education
Tools the successful para must master
This practical session breaks down the top 5 high-impact strategies used in special education and explains what they look like in action for the paraprofessional: prompting and fading, modeling/scaffolding, wait time, chunking, and multi-sensory approach.
Disabilities and Instructional Strategies That Support Learning
Inclusive practices that make a difference
This session will equip paras with a clear understanding of various disabilities and their educational implications, evidence-based instructional techniques and accommodations, and strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment that accommodates the needs of all students.
Teaching the Foundational Skills of Reading
The para’s key role in literacy
Paras play an important role in supporting literacy. This session addresses helpful strategies for teaching the foundational skills of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as well as how to differentiate reading instruction to meet the needs of students at varying skill levels.
Supporting Math Learning with Confidence
Making math accessible and meaningful
This session equips paras with practical strategies for teaching key mathematical concepts across grade levels as well as tools for effectively assisting students who struggle with math, including those with dyscalculia and other math-related learning disabilities. Doable strategies include hands-on activities, visual aids, and the use of manipulatives.
The Power of Relationships in Student Support
The foundation of para success
Strong relationships are the foundation of effective student support, and paraprofessionals are sometimes the trusted adults that students rely on most. This session focuses on how meaningful connections with appropriate boundaries contribute to academic growth, emotional regulation, and overall school success.
Promoting Student Independence, Not Dependence
Support that builds confidence and autonomy
This session empowers paraprofessionals with the knowledge and tools to promote independence for students with disabilities across academic, behavioral, and functional domains. Rather than creating dependence, effective support encourages students to build confidence, learn new skills, and take ownership of their learning.
Don’t see exactly what you need?
We’re happy to customize a series or design a session that fits your district’s goals and schedule.
