The Paraprofessional in Collaborative Relationships


July 25, 2025


The paraprofessional occupies a supportive role within the educational community and 


in the classroom. The relationship between the special education teacher and a


 paraprofessional should be characterized by professionalism, cooperation, and 


integrity. The vision, philosophy, and classroom practices of the special education 


teacher should be studied and adhered to by the paraprofessional for a dynamic 


collaborative relationship to effectively operate in the educational environment. This 


relationship should be characterized by integrity and nondisclosure, especially when 


discussing the needs of students within the classroom.  When the opinion of the 


paraprofessional is requested by the special education teacher, administration, or any 


other staff member, it should be given in such a way that professionalism is maintained, 


and the confidentiality of the student is protected. 



When the paraprofessional enters the classroom of a general education teacher, they 


should be trained and disciplined to comprehend the methods and procedures 


employed by the teacher. It is necessary for the paraprofessional to understand the 


current content of instruction, general atmosphere of the classroom, emotional state of 


students serviced, and the emotional and mental state of the teacher all within minutes 


of entering a classroom. Assistance should be given to students and teachers without 


taking the authority away from the teacher. Requests and guidelines of the classroom 


teacher should be followed professionally within the parameters established by the 


school district. Requests and assistance may be helping a student with  


assignments, taking a student to another location for individual instruction, giving a 


student a break, calling administration for assistance, or being asked for advice 


regarding communication with parents. In all, the role of the paraprofessional is a 


supportive one without usurping the authority of the teacher in the classroom.




References:

https://www.nea.org

https://www.frontlineeducation.com

https://www.creativelyfocused.net

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