Principal’s Corner: Paraprofessional Week in Albert Lea
Published 10:49 pm Friday, January 26, 2018
Principal’s Corner by Judi Vitito
Did you know that over 28,000 paraprofessionals are employed in the state of Minnesota? And, did you know that para is a Greek prefix meaning alongside? How fitting that is!
Judi Vitito
Every day paras work alongside students and teachers in our schools to support learning. They are in hallways greeting students each morning, in classrooms supporting math or literacy instruction, and they ensure students safely board the bus at the end of the day.
From bell to bell, Albert Lea paraprofessionals work side by side with our students while promoting independent academic and social-emotional skills.
Trained paraprofessionals support school districts in delivering quality education. Everyone benefits from this work — students, teachers, administrators and families.
Teachers and education team members, such as occupational therapists, find that paraprofessionals play an invaluable role in supporting their work. Through their support, differentiated instruction and individualized attention scaffold student achievement.
According to Gov. Mark Dayton, over 28,000 paraprofessionals serve students statewide across multiple settings within schools, including support for instruction, student activities and individual students, as well as numerous other tasks that contribute to educational success.
The support and services provided by paraprofessionals are integral to student achievement, resulting in even better, more effective Minnesota schools. The state of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Education are committed to excellence in education and recognize the important role paraprofessionals play in ensuring educational success.
Across the state and in Albert Lea Area Schools, paraprofessionals enjoyed a week of appreciation. Special breakfasts, lunches, gifts, heartfelt notes and more showed paraprofessionals how much students, teachers and district leaders appreciate their work in our schools. If you haven’t had a chance yet, thank a para!
Judi Vitito is the principal of Hawthorne Elementary School.
