"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." - Henry Ford

The paraeducator and teacher benefit from discussing the following issues related to their roles and responsibilities:

1. Goals for the class.
2. Responsibilities of the paraeducator as well as the teacher.
3. Each other's areas of expertise.
4. Schedule for planning time.
5. Methods for evaluating students.
6. Instructional methods to be used in the classroom. 
7. School and class rules.
8. Discipline procedures. 
9. Routines and organization of the classroom. 

In addition, the paraeducator and teacher benefit from identifying how they will be sensitive to the issues listed below: 

1. Attitudes and feelings of both paraeducator and teacher. 
2. The similarities and differences among team members. 
3. The development of common vocabulary.
4. The need for clear directions and feedback from the teacher. 
5. Willingness of the paraeducator to ask questions. 
6. How the team will actively create a climate of cooperation. 

Source: Adapted from Guide for Effective Paraeducator Practices in Iowa.

Iowa Department of Education. January 1998.

Click on the following links for more resources:

Participate in the TXCAN course Building a Foundation for Supporting Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities - Indicator 2 Effective Teams

Don't want to miss out? Email gavalos@esc1.net and request to get on the mailing list.