Presentation at the 2011 National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals Conference by Ashleigh Molloy.

1. National Paraprofessional Conference Copyright 2011 www.transedinstitute.org [email_address] Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Presenter: Dr. Ashleigh Molloy Director Transformation Education Institute

2. Session Objectives To examine best practices as educational partners. To validate the importance of collaboration. To learn strategies that promote student success. To experience a healthy dose of endorphins. To build a sense of community while validating differences.

3. What are Paraprofessionals? Paras are like... They are the real thing. Paras are like... They care enough to send their very best. COKE HALLMARK CARDS

4. What are Paraprofessionals? (My Take) Paras are like... They work miracles. Paras are like... They have better ideas. BAYER ASPIRIN FORD

5. Paras are like... They bring good things to life. Paras are like... You're in good hands with them. GENERAL ELECTRIC ALLSTATE What are Paraprofessionals? (My Take)

6. V0-5 HAIR SPRAY Paras are like... the Neither rain, nor snow, nor ice will keep them from their appointed task. Paras are like... They hold through all kinds of weather. POSTAL SERVICE What are Paraprofessionals? (My Take)

7. But MOST of all... Paraprofessionals are like They're GRRRRREAT!!! FROSTED FLAKES. What are Paraprofessionals? (My Take)

8. Paras are in good company Wyoming State Para Conference Committee

10. “ The best and most beautiful things in life cannot be seen, not touched, but are felt in the heart.” Helen Keller If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life from aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain. Emily Dickinson

11. Great gift of giving of themselves to others is priceless "Each time a man stands up for an idea, or acts to improve the lot of others, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope." -- Robert F. Kenndy "The capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest meaning and significance." -- Pablo Casals

12. Getting to Know You Activity “ UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL” GETTING TO KNOW YOU www.transedinstitute.org

13. Focus on You

14. Paras Must Think Outside the Box

15. Paraprofessionals Do Make a Difference: A Parent's Reflection In my personal expereince, Paras have always made a difference in my daughter's life. Lindsey, who has Down syndrome, started junior kindergarten at a young age of 4. I was totally overwhelmed with the idea of my baby girl away from mom. Elizabeth Mora was assigned to be Lindsey's paraprofessional. She was with Lindsey through the primary grades.

16. Grateful Mom, Michelle Molloy To say this lady made a difference in my daughter’s life is an understatement. This para was compassionate, caring, patient, loving and very much the advocate for Lindsey. Yet she was firm and did chastise when the need arose. They understood each other. When Lindsey started school, she was well on her way to read. She loved books. Elizabeth continued the reading, taught manners, and helped Lindsey with peer-interactions. Our little girl became very sociable At school with most of the other students. Thank you Elizabeth!

18. Life Experiences They include other employment experiences, hobbies, interests and community service Fishing Traveling Church Service Cooking Art Swimming Playing an instrument Singing

19. The Wisdom of Mom!

22. Role Modelling in Action

23. Activity: “Wright Family” www.transedinstitute.org

26. Unwrapping the Gift A parent’s perspective from Dr.Ash “ GIFT” Definition: A special ability, capacity, or talent Paradigm Shift: You move the perspective from deficiency to giftedness www.transedinstitute.org

27. Being included feels so good ! www.transedinstitute.org

28. Classroom Team Environment

29. Classroom Environment "I've come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my personal approach that creates climate...I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humour, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized." -- Haim Ginott

35. Ineffective Partner Communication

37. Teamwork is Essential

38. Collaboration Essential for Team Building

40. Collaboration Activity

42. Not always smooth!

46. Effective Communication =Message Conveyed

50. Partner Listening Activity www.transedinstitute.org

53. Creative Para Problem Solving

57. Serving different Ability Students

59. Paradigm Shift: Prepare for the Future

60. Dr. Ash’s Para Kit Lifesaver To keep you from drowning in everyday chores. Candy Kiss To remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday. Toothpick To remind you to pick out the good qualities in others Chewing Gum To remind you to stick with it, and you can accomplish anything. Sweet Tart To help you accept and appreciate the differences in others. Eraser To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay.

61. Dr. Ash’s Para Kit Tea Bag To remind you to relax daily and go over your list of blessings. Nail To help you remember that suffering is part of life. Button To remember to button your lip when needed. Band Aid To remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else’s. Rubber Band To remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out. Mint To remind you that you are worth a mint.

65. Thank You And God Bless