The world of education is currently in flux. And we at ParaEducate are trying to keep up. We also know that for many folks the changes that are coming daily may feel too much. It is perfectly acceptable to pause and take care of yourself.
Renay has spent the last few weeks listening to a webinar from Supporting Inclusive Practices. The energy that has gone into making sure that students have the systems in place from schools to be included in general education makes things much easier from some logistical perspectives. The inclusive models available help keep the idea that everyone at school is a part of the school for as much as possible.
This reminds Renay of a moment in the hallway when students were walking past a classroom, and they were excited to see the kids with disabilities in the classroom. “Hey look, it’s the Daycare class!” except it was the first-grade classroom for students with disabilities. This is a moment to help students learn the importance of media in educating students and the expectations of all students on campus.
Even when activities allow the teaching team in special education to work with students, the perception of others, especially peers who may be older, is not clear. There are times when students with more extensive needs cannot be included. Particularly around self-care if a student is unable to use a bathroom due to disability and needs support.
Peers are a stunning influence that most adults in education know about but rarely know how to truly leverage. Peers are also a truly natural guide that students need to build a sense of community.
Peers are also a truly natural guide that students need to build a sense of community.
ParaEducate
Who Will Stop the Rain?
So while half the country is getting a heat wave on the East Coast, California is getting much-needed rain. But this comes after weeks of snow and ice on the East Coast. The weather has impacted students in schools including returning to online education for short days and later starts. In California, most of the available days, students spend a lot of time indoors during recess. And for students who are recovering in California from the wildfires, they are starting to return to unfamiliar schools just to continue their education.
Once again, the focus is on giving students the skills they need to handle any range of emotions, reminding students that they have another safe location for their learning before learning is critical. Being ready to respond to the range of needs for students during weather and emergency falls to adults. Paraeducators are part of that equation. Whether you support one or two students or support twenty across your academic day, stepping in and supporting the students as needed is as important for the students as it is for the adults.
One More Plug
Last month we got to share how excited we were for the new book by Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, Neurodiversity Affirming Schools. It turns out Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris had a bigger plan with their book and have a whole podcast dedicated to neurodivergence. The Neurodiversity Podcast is another way for parents and educators to find inspiration and support. Find this podcast where you listen to your podcasts.
Neurodiversity Affirming Schools is now available wherever you may buy books.
Again, in full transparency, we receive no benefit from mentioning or sharing the information about this book and podcast.
A Bittersweet Good-bye
Every now and then, while you are working you come across an administrator who understands special education. The one who wants to know the students on their campus by name and not just when they are causing problems. The one who works to make sure that resources are available for students with disabilities and recognizes when the students are not around. The one who works to make sure that all the educators on their site have what they need and are distributed across all classrooms.
Every now and then, while you are working you come across an administrator who understands special education.
ParaEducate
Renay was working with one of those educators. And they are now pursuing a different career path right now. We wanted to make sure that educator who helped Renay make those last transitions from being a paraeducator to being a special education teacher. Thank you for being the model that made the difference for the students who came to your school.
One more thing…
Renay will be heading to Cal-TASH in March. This year, while Renay did not submit to speak at Cal-TASH, she will be there in Burbank and cannot wait to meet all the educators and self-advocates returning to this event for 2025.
We are also about to celebrate our Thirteenth Anniversary the end of this month. Look for our Anniversary blog at the start of March!
Do you have any comments about this month’s blog? Do you have a question for us? Would you like to have an opportunity to pilot some materials at your campus? Find ParaEducate online here, here, here, and on our website. ParaEducate is a company providing materials, information, and strategies for people working in special education inclusion settings for grades K-12. ParaEducate, the blog, is published once a month during the academic school year. ParaEducate shares their findings at conferences, through their books, and their academic adaptations.
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