Regional Paraprofessional Opportunities

Paraprofessional Micro-PD Modules

The Oregon Research Schools Network, part of University of Oregon College of Education, and the IMESD Teaching and Learning Department worked to create a series of modules aimed at paraprofessionals and the many hats they wear within the school environment. The modules are created to be independent and on-demand, fitting the varying schedules our paras have within the region.

These modules are offered at no charge to our region's school districts.

To register for the modules:

Paraprofessional Micro-PD Registration Link

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Program Contacts:

Dave Williams, Director of School Improvement
dave.williams@imesd.k12.or.us

Modules Include:

1: EA Essentials

  • Roles and Responsabilites

  • Communication and Collaboration

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Seeing Yourself

  • Standards, Ethics & Key Legislation (COMING SOON)

2: An Introduction to Trauma Healing, These four modules focus broadly on topics related to trauma-informed education (TIE) and specifically covers definitions and details of trauma, how trauma impacts the brain, how it can manifest in students, and how staff can support traumatized youth in school.

  • Trauma, Response, and Impact (Part I)

  • Trauma, Healing (Part II)

  • Building Trust (Part III)

  • Positive School Climate (Part IV)

  • Hearing Students' Voices

  • Parent Engagement Plans

  • Helping Students Regulate

3: Positive Behavior Support, Modules focus on understanding that student behavior is functional. Using positive behavior support strategies can help prevent challenges. Emphasis is given to supervision in unstructured settings (playground, hallway, lunch).

  • Behavior is Communication

  • Praise Strategies, Part I

  • Praise Strategies, Part II

  • Active Supervision - Part I: Smart Supervision

  • Active Supervision - Part II: Supervision in Unstructured Settings

  • Active Supervision - Part III: Supervising Transitions

4: Instructional Support Strategies, Evidence-based instructional strategies are described. Scenarios feature examples and non-examples to differentiate the critical features of each instructional practice.

  • Opportunities to Respond

  • Introduction to Instructional Pacing

  • Integrating Choice Making

  • Reinforcing a Growth Mindset

  • Defining Behavior with Precision

  • Small Groups 101: Academic & Functional Skills

  • The Power of Wait Time

  • Shaping Learner Behavior

5: Student Relationship Building, The modules provide a conceptual overview of the construct of the teacher-student relationship, suggestions to promote quality relationships, and ways to address challenges.

  • Building Relationships: Part I - Relationships Matter

  • Building Relationships: Part II - Connecting with Challenging Students

  • Building Relationships: Part III - Classroom Climate

  • Building Relationships: Part IV - Repairing Relationships

6: Remote Use for Educational Assistants, Modules addresses the unique considerations, challenges, and strategies for classified staff to provide remote student support.

  • Module 1: Considering Compliance

  • Module 2: Planning Smar, Thinking Creatively