The document provides an orientation for new paraprofessionals at WIU. It discusses maintaining confidentiality of student information, respecting the roles of teachers and administrators, following dress code policies, and avoiding inappropriate conduct or communication with students both during and after school hours in order to protect oneself from accusations of wrongdoing.

1. WIU New Paraeducator Orientation
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2.  Discuss ethical issues related to your role as
paraprofessional
 Define expectations regarding professional
behavior
 Review laws that affect paraprofessionals

3. 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. 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.

5.  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

6.  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.

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

8.  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!

9.  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

10.  Clothing that allows undergarments to be visible
 Sweat suits, jogging suits
 Tee shirts with messages on them

11.  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

12.  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.

13. Dress for:
◦ Comfort
◦ Professionalism
◦ Individual personality

14.  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

15.  Don’t become “friends” with your students.
◦ Facebook
◦ MySpace
◦ email
 Do not socialize with students
 Do not think it can’t happen to you!

16.  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!