Paraprofessional positions can be gateway into educational career

FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON HILLS — Paraprofessionals, aka paraeducators, are needed across the Farmington Public School District and the state to provide much-needed support for teachers of students with special needs.

“Paraprofessionals really are individuals that we hire and provide training for in order for them to support our special education students or our students who have medical needs or reading needs,” said Dorene Forster, the principal of Visions Unlimited. “They’re really teacher assistants.”

In order to meet the need for parapros, FPS held its annual paraprofessional job fair July 26-27 at the Maxfield Education Center. Several district staff members were on hand to conduct immediate interviews.

During the job fair, candidates were also able to ask staff members questions about the positions before they apply, allowing candidates to have a clear understanding of the position and the terminologies used within the educational realm.

Parapro positions are full time and generally do not require anything more than a high school diploma or a general education degree. There are a few positions that require additional certifications, but the district will pay for that for those who need it.

“We want people who first and foremost love working with students,” said Lydia Moore, the executive director of special education for Farmington Public Schools. “We want people who are people people, so they like to work with people. We are looking for people who like to learn and grow — so, that growth mindset. We don’t expect people have all the instructional skills, because that’s what teachers have in their programs. What we want are people who work well with others, believe in teamwork, are willing to grow and learn and just have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people with special needs.”

The job fair allows the district the opportunity to make the community aware of the positions as well as the need, which is countywide, according to Forster.

“The need is always there, and it’s not a job that people are truly aware of. When you think about schools, you think about teachers, but you don’t think about paraeducators,” said Forster. “Paraeducators are like bus drivers in the fact that they’re essential components that help us support our students, but they’re not always a recognized folks in their level of importance. So, (the job fair) gives us a way to reach out to the community to let them know (about parapros).”

Through the job fair, the district was able to fill nine of 15 positions available this fall. They are continuing to move through the hiring process to fill the remaining six positions. Hired paraprofessionals will receive a full week of training before the school year begins, as well as training throughout the school year.

“All in all, we believe the event was a huge success,” said Moore.

Moore said the parapro provides adult support for some kids who need assistance to learn and/or access and participate in the curriculum. She said parapro positions vary depending on the individual needs of each specific child. Some parapros work specifically with an individual child and travel from class to class with them, while others remain with a specific program to provide assistance.

Forster said the parapro position is considered an entry level position into education.  She said it often opens the gateway to a career in education, as it did for her. Forster explained that she initially got a degree in human resources, and after taking a position as a parapro, she found that she had a passion for education and went back to school to get a masters in education and special education. She said she always worked “helping” positions, but was attracted to the parapro position because of its daytime hours and holidays off.

“It’s hard to describe what a paraeducator does, but it can be a very, very fulfilling role,” said Forster. “For me what was so fulfilling was seeing students be able to become independent.”

  Moore and Forster said that the positions also provide parents the opportunity to have work hours that correlate with their children’s school schedule.

“Being a paraeducator is really a wonderful opportunity for people to explore education and see the vast array of opportunities that one can teach in,” said Forster. “It also provides an opportunity for moms and dads to work the same schedule as their children do.”

Parapro positions, as with any type of educator or support staff position, allow people the opportunity to develop relationships with students, and to connect with and support the community as a member of the educational team, Forster said.

Moore said they are always looking for paraprofessionals, as the need is constantly changing. She said they could have more students enter the district at any given time who would require a parapro.  She said they are also. People who are interested in being a parapro but who do not have full time availability are welcome to apply as a sub.

To apply for a paraprofessional position, visit the district’s website, farmington.k12.mi.us.