This role has several names. Paraprofessional, assistant teacher, teacher's aide and paraeducator are terms that the programs represented here have used for the additional adult in the classroom who provides support for the classroom teacher in many ways. Some people in this role assist in room preparation, in preparation of class materials, and in working and playing directly with the children. Others may assist teachers in the adaptation and implementation of classroom assignments and behavior plans for students in the classroom.

Below are several questions that assistant teachers and para educators have answered to help you understand their role in an inclusive program. Click on the link after the question to read the responses.

Annie, Barbara, Claudia, Edna, Joy, Joyce, Kenna, Lovie, Marcia, Pat, and Patti, please tell us:

. . . what is your educational background? "I have my..."

. . . what other experiences, or staff development has prepared you for inclusion? "Staff meetings..."

. . . what is your job role? "Assisting the teacher..."

. . . what is your role regarding the inclusive component of the program? "Help with areas..."

. . . how has your role changed or have you adapted your role as it is related to the inclusive program? "It has not changed..."

. . . what were your biggest concerns about participating in an inclusive program? "I was concerned..."

. . . what were your experiences related to these concerns once inclusive services were implemented? "I was concerned with..."

. . . what do you see as the benefit of moving toward inclusive services? "You see the child..."

. . . can you offer one or more anecdotes that you feel illustrate the benefits of inclusion? "We had a child..."