1. Employment Profile: What exactly does a Paraprofessional for special education do? |
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 What field is your job in?
Education
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What is your job title?
Paraprofessional for special education
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Please provide a brief description of the firm or organization that you currently work for
(size and general description of what type of organization it is)
I work in a public elementary school as a paraprofessional for special education.
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How long have you been employed in this position?
I have been employed since 1 May 1989 with this same county school system.
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How many hours do you work a week on average?
40
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Please provide a BRIEF description of your duties and responsibilities. (job description)
I am responsible for the care and well being of 8 3rd, 4th, and 5th special needs students. I am often responsible for one on one academic help as well.
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What was your gross income last year? Please include any bonuses or incentives received.
34000
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What is your expected gross income for this year? Please include any bonuses or incentives you expect to receive.
29000
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Please
list any benefits you have (Please include number of weeks vacation,
sick leave and type of health insurance, retirement plan 401k)
I have health insurance and retirement.
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Do you feel you are under/well/over compensated at your current position?
I am under compensated. I often take responsibility that should be handled by the teacher who is making far more money than me!
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2. Work environment! |
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Does
your job entail you working with others on a daily basis? Is this
something you like/dislike about your job? Explain
Yes. I work under the authority of a teacher and I work with another paraprofessional. It is often frustrating as the teacher is unorganized and not skilled in disipline so it falls on us...the two paraprofessionals. It is also often boring and dull as she chooses to use completely useless work sheets and handwriting.
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Do you work collaboratively with supervisors/managers?
No
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Do you work collaboratively with your co-workers?
Yes
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Describe
your work location (e.g., office, home, theatre, in the field) and what
you like/dislike about working in it
I work in an old 1950's public elementary school. It is pleasant enough.
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Please rank in order of importance from 1-8 (1- most important 8- least important) Assign each number once.
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1 Income
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5 Work Environment - co-workers
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7 Work Environment - supervisors
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2 Benefits
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4 Hours
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6 Level of responsibility
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3 The actual "work" you do at your job
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8 Job Title
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3. How should someone new to the workforce get a J-O-B like yours? |
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If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
Good Luck! I would say have some experience with special needs children. Have some college under your belt or they won't even interview you.
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What
skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a
position like yours? Please be specific and explain why (e.g., social
skills, organization skills, technical skills)
I think the bottom line is common sense. Have a lot of patience and be able to think things through. Like working with children and have a positive outlook on life. Don't take things too seriously and look for joy where you can find it.
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Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
I think you need to have common sense. Too many people don't.
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What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
My advice would be have faith. Trust your gut instints and you will love the kids.
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