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I usually reply directly to the individual, but in this case I feel compelled
to address a response on the full net. If noncertified paraprofessionals are
serving just fine in their position, then isn't there some form of exploitation
going on? Why would anyone who has the background, education and expertise to
perform at a professional level accept the lower professional pay for a
paraprofessional position? If you (any paraprofessional) has the experience
and expertise to assist teachers to develop integrated instructional units;
instruct students in the intricate skills of information access in today's
electronic age; if you read professional journals and develop plans for the
implementation of technology in your school; if you attend professional
conferences; if you facilitate workshops; if you are conversant with the
educational reform and restructuring efforts; if you are a leader in faculty
efforts in curriculum design; if you are doing all this, functioning just fine,
thank you, and are receiving the compensation and the position of a
paraprofessional then you are selling yourself and others who are performing
these functions short and are assisting in the trivialization of a vital
profession.
Judy Voran
Chaparral High School
Scottsdale, AZ
jvoran@ViaLinda.Scottsdaleud.k12.az.us
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