WIU New Paraeducator Orientation2010=1011

Discuss ethical issues related to your role as paraprofessional

Define expectations regarding professional behavior

Review laws that affect paraprofessionals

1. Records and information related to students and their families are considered confidential. Children and youth have legal and human rights that must be respected.

2. Respect the roles of others in the schools and demonstrate your understanding of how your position relates to theirs.

3. Positive acknowledgement should be given to cultural diversity and the differences among individual children.

4. You are responsible for following the directions given to you by the classroom teacher, Special Education supervisor and other administrators.

5. Learn and follow the chain of command for administrative procedures.

6. Professional behavior includes attendance, punctuality, appropriate dress, and being a good team member.

7. As a member of the educational team, you should be committed to the mission and goals of your organization and your host district.

Confidentiality –

Respecting the roles of others◦ Who else is in the classroom?◦ What are their roles?◦ How do we make sure we work as a team?

Tolerance Following directions Loyalty

You are the public face of WIU!

Our students, their parents, the administrators and the greater community all trust us to be mature, professional, capable and competent.

Make a point to know and follow the policies and procedures of the host district◦ Dress Code◦ Cell phone policy◦ Personal calls/emergencies

You will be treated as you are dressed.

Research shows connections between how we are dressed and levels of respect

Exercise good judgement!◦ Dress appropriately for the situation◦ Neat, clean and non distracting clothing◦ Don’t make your fashion statement at school!

Halter tops, off the shoulder or low cut tops, spaghetti strap tops, tight or form fitting clothing

Skirts/dresses/skorts/shorts that are shorter than two inches above the knee

Blue jeans or denim skirts unless it is a “jeans day” at school, or a specific activity deems it appropriate.

Low cut pants that expose the midriff

Clothing that allows undergarments to be visible

Sweat suits, jogging suits

Tee shirts with messages on them

Flip flops, strappy sandals, dirty or torn tennis shoes, any shoes that prevent you from running

Visible body piercings, nose rings, eyebrow rings

Inappropriate tattoos

Loose fitting and well tailored is best.

Stay stylish, but too much so.

Some say avoid sleeveless

If you’re young, be extra careful.

Makeup is not necessarily your friend.

For shoes, comfort is king.

Leave the bling at home.

Dress for:Dress for:

◦ Comfort

◦ Professionalism

◦ Individual personality

Media will aggressively pursue any story alleging inappropriate conduct with a student

Avoid accusations/liability◦ Maintain your personal space, and respect

students personal space too.◦ Be careful when choosing your words to avoid any

out of context confusion◦ Don’t be alone with students!◦ Keep doors open and unlocked

Don’t become “friends” with your students.◦ Facebook◦ MySpace◦ email

Do not socialize with students

Do not think it can’t happen to you!

What happens in class, stays in class.

No gossip.

Always dress professional. Treat others as you would have them treat

you.

The internet is everywhere!