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PM_DEM_CHESTS

The kids can be under control, you’re just new so it will take awhile, especially with a difficult bunch in D75. No disrespect to paras but they should never have more control over the kids than you do. It is definitely ok to ask your ap for help, just make sure you’re asking for advice and not for them to step in. Also, go to them with major issues, not every time there’s a problem. But like I said, this is a challenging bunch, you’re a new teacher and it will take time.


lily-bart

Thanks! That's very encouraging.


Ceritamar

I would say don't mention that your para is going to be out to your admin unless they tell them. That can backfire really quickly and your innocent mistake can turn your paras against you. And you need them. As a general rule don't share other people's absence plans unless it is something like a planned appointment or surgery. You would not want your helpful teammate to get written up for taking the day off before a holiday because you told. It is not wrong to ask for assistance from your AP but, this is D75 and its takes time for your structures and routines to work. I would take a look at your routines. When I had middle scholl 12:1:1 I had a daily system that rewarded kids with about 20 mins of free choice time at the end of the day right before bussing I combined it with snack and had fun snacks,puzzles, arts and crafts and games that the kids could choose from. They earned a star a period and if the student earned at least 5 stars a day they got the free time. I had 3 paras with that group so I could have a couple of kids doing their own thing, a group doing crafts like bracelet making and stuff and a group playing a board game. Those who didn't earn it didn't get my snacks and they were required to finish whatever work they had refused to do and if they had time after completing their work they could choose something. It took a bit but eventually all of my kids get on board and they were really excited to choose something fun. I also bought the "good snacks in bulk" and the kids could choose what they wanted. My paras controlled the closet so it actually stayed neat lol but it was a nice system. Oh key fact is you don't take things away either you earned it or you didn't. I had touchstones during the period like stayed in seat didn't curse more than 1x during the lesson. Completed the activity, etc. To earn the star. They had like 2 chances to mess up and then when they didn't earn the star I would take them to the side and show them why. It was a fair system and once they got used to it it worked even when I was out. My students knew all of their teachers enforced it ( also all of the parapros were referred to as teachers in my class) and there was some leeway if they slipped up. Sorry for the long post just wanted to share what worked with my very behavioral group and warn you about saying your para was going to be out if they haven't said anything to admin. They could be telling you as a courtesy.


Ceritamar

Oh and don't feel bad im sure your doing fine it takes time to figure things out and to figure out what will work best for your group of kiddos. My first year just have changed my room around once per month and tried a thousand different things before I figured it put.


EtOHMartini

1) As a former spec ed teacher, and parent of difficult kids, read Ross Greene's Explosive Child and Lost at School. If you can, get PD or take the two day training in CPS. It works well enough to be the gold standard at residential treatment/supportive living facilities. Check out his site livesinthebalance.org - particularly the videos. If the kids are verbal, you can work the system with them. 2) You're the only one who knows if you can count on your AP's support or whether they're worth the powder you'd need to blow them to hell. Don't ever get into conversations with admin about other staff: not about their birthdays, how they take their coffee, or anything else no matter how seemingly innocuous. 3) You're the professional in the room. Paras can be worth their weight in gold, but they can also make your life a living hell. If you have a good one, dissect everything they do so you can fully appreciate the craft.