Paras Make It Happen
Paraeducators, also known as instructional aides, teaching assistants, or paraprofessionals, play a vital role in supporting teachers and helping students succeed. However, their hard work and dedication often go unnoticed. As the school year winds down, it's the perfect time to show appreciation for the paraeducators in your district or school. Wednesday, April 3 also happens to be National Paraeducator Appreciation Day, so there is even more reason to point out the great things they do!
Why Appreciate Paraeducators?
Paraeducators have one of the most demanding yet underappreciated jobs in education. They provide essential one-on-one attention and differentiated support for students with special needs, those learning English, and those requiring academic interventions. Often bouncing between multiple classrooms and roles, paraeducators form critical bonds with struggling students to keep them engaged and learning.
On top of their instructional duties, paraeducators assist with classroom management, preparing materials, and numerous other tasks that create an optimal learning environment. Thanks to paraeducators, teachers can split their time more effectively rather than trying to do everything themselves. The work paraeducators do directly improves the quality of education for all students.
Yet for all their efforts, paraeducators make relatively low wages and rarely receive the public appreciation they deserve. A little recognition can go a long way in making them feel valued.
Ways to Appreciate Paraeducators
There are many affordable ways to show gratitude for the paraeducators at your school:
Make a "ParaRocks" bulletin board with photos and bios to highlight their work.
Send a letter or certificate of appreciation home to paraeducators and their families.
Feature paraeducators in your school's newsletter, website, and social media.
Invite paraeducators to attend staff appreciation meals or events at no cost.
Post thank you signs and banners around the school during appreciation week.
Have students write stories about how paraeducators helped them succeed.
Solicit thank you messages from parents who benefit from paraeducators' support.
Give paraeducators a public shout-out at a school assembly or board meeting.
Even small gestures to recognize paraeducators' contributions can boost morale and show them how much they matter. Their behind-the-scenes efforts are essential to creating equitable, supportive classrooms for all students. This year, make sure to set aside time to appreciate the paraeducators keeping your school running strong!