Building Stronger Teams: What Paras Wish Teachers Knew

This week’s episode is a little different because it’s not about us as teachers. It’s about the incredible individuals who support us and our students every single day: our paraprofessionals.

Throughout July, we've been focusing into how to build strong para-teacher relationships, and in this episode, we’re hearing directly from the voices that matter most. I asked a group of current and former paraprofessionals five powerful questions about their roles, challenges, and what they need from their supervising teachers—and their answers were honest, heartfelt, and eye-opening.

✨ Inside this episode, we explore:

• What makes a para feel valued and respected
• The misunderstandings teachers often have about their role
• What paras wish would change in the way they collaborate with teachers
• Why input, clarity, and recognition matter more than you might think
• How we can better provide the training and tools they truly need

💡 You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to create a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment for your paras—and why doing so leads to better outcomes for your entire classroom.

🎧 Whether you’re new to working with paras or want to strengthen your existing team dynamic, this episode is a must-listen.

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Transcript

Welcome to Paraprofessional Month

Speaker 1 0:00

Hey there and welcome back to Special Education for Beginners . For the entire month of July , we have been focused on supporting the individuals who we absolutely could not do our job without our paraprofessionals . If you've been listening , this month we have talked about everything from shifting your mindset as a leader to learning how to delegate effectively and how to navigate conflict with compassion and clarity . But today's episode is a little different because it's not about me or you . It's about them , the amazing individuals who are on the front lines with us every day , the people who support our students and our programs in more ways than they often get credit for . Today's episode is all about hearing directly from the paraprofessionals what helps them feel valued , respected and part of the team . Whether you are new to working with paras or you've been doing this for years and are looking to gain a deeper understanding of how to build a stronger , more connected team , this episode will give you powerful insight straight from the source . I want them to tell you what they need from you . Let's get to it . Hey , special educator , are you overwhelmed by the absurd amount of paperwork on your to-do list ? Do you wish you had the skills to build a rock-solid team with your staff , do you find yourself scouring the internet for how to meet the needs of each student on your caseload ? Well , hey there . I'm Jennifer Hopperberg , an award-winning veteran special education teacher and current instructional coach , who has walked in your shoes through each of these challenges and yes , I have the metaphorical blisters to prove it . I have the metaphorical blisters to prove it . I have cried your tears and felt your pain , and now I'm here to support you in the way I wish someone would have been there to support me . Listen in each week as my guests and I dish out practical wisdom to help you handle all the classroom curveballs that are thrown at you and learn how to laugh in spite of the chaos , to celebrate those small yet significant victories that only a special educator can understand . So are you ready ? Wipe your tears and put on your superhero cape , because together we are going to learn how to survive and thrive in the ever crazy , completely overwhelming laugh . So you don't cry . Profession of being a special education teacher .

Their Own Words: Feeling Valued

Speaker 1 1:56

So when I set out to create this episode , I knew I didn't want it to just be me making assumptions about what paras need and want from their supervising teachers . Instead , I wanted their own words to guide the conversation . So I reached out to a whole bunch of former paras for my 30 years in the field some who worked on my team and some who didn't and asked them five simple but powerful questions . And the responses I got whether they were shared directly or paraphrased for privacy were honest , insightful and incredibly moving . In fact , just reading through their reflections reminded me why this work matters so much , because behind every title and task is a human being who wants to be seen , who wants to be supported and who needs to be set up for success . So for today's episode , I've organized their responses into five themes , each one based on one of the questions I asked .

Speaker 1 2:46

So the first question was what's one thing a teacher has done that made you feel truly valued ? When I asked this question , I wanted to understand what it really means to feel seen in a school setting , not just thanked at the end of the day , but genuinely valued . The responses were honest and , in some cases , deeply personal . The responses were honest and , in some cases , deeply personal . The first one stated One thing that a teacher has done to make me feel valued is to give me the weekly assignments and allow me to get them done in any order . This makes me feel like the teacher trusts me to get everything done . For example , if a student did not like math but likes reading , we would work on reading and kind of ease in the math , rather than spend three days on one math assignment when we still have three other math assignments to get done . When the teacher trusts me to get all the weekly work done , it makes me feel good . If you'll remember , in episode 218 , we talked about the importance of clear , respectful delegation and how giving paras autonomy and clarity can change everything . This quote is the real life proof of that . Delegation isn't just about efficiency , it's about trust , and that trust is what makes people feel valued . Another quote for this question came from one of the handful of male parents I had throughout the years , and I just want to say that having a male role model for some of our students can be incredibly powerful . Their presence brings a different kind of energy and connection that many of our students , especially those without positive male figures at home , really needed . Here's his response to that question .

Speaker 1 4:08

I recall one time , specifically , where we were in a meeting for our school families . At the time , I was going through a breakup with my girlfriend , who later became my ex-wife . The idea of being part of a family when the one I wanted was falling apart was very stressful . All of that stress , combined with the emotionally taxing nature of being a sped para , was getting to be too much . And you noticed the fact I looked like I wanted to die inside at the meeting you took the time to ask me what was happening in my life . That went beyond valuing me as a paraprofessional . That showed me that you valued me as a person , beyond what I could offer to you or the kids I worked with . I remember this situation like it was yesterday . I did notice something was off with him . He just wasn't acting like himself . If you remember , last week we explored what it means to support pairs who are struggling . One of the key takeaways was the importance of connection before correction , the quote about noticing a pair's emotional struggle and simply asking what was going on . That's exactly what I mean by leading with empathy . So whether it's offering flexibility with task completion , providing emotional support during tough times or inviting pairs into the bigger picture of classroom planning , these small moments of intentional leadership go a long way . They send a clear message you matter here and when pairs feel that they show up differently and it adds to the capacity of your entire team .

Speaker 1 5:27

The next question was what do you wish teachers better understood about your role ? When I asked this question , I wanted to address an elephant in the room the invisible weight that paras sometimes carry , that their work isn't always seen , that assumptions get made and the gaps in understanding that can unintentionally create tension . The answers I received were honest and eye-opening , and I think they'll resonate with many of us . The first response said I wish teachers understood that we are not mind readers . Sometimes we're expected to jump in and know exactly what to do without much explanation . It makes me nervous that I might mess up or do something wrong . I just want more direction , not because I can't do the job , but because I want to do it well .

Speaker 1 6:10

This answer is a reminder that paras aren't just helpers , they are partners . But even the most dedicated para can't support effectively without clear guidance . This is where your communication becomes key . It's not about micromanaging . It's about setting your team up for success by giving them what they need to feel prepared and confident . Another para shared this quote .

Understanding the Para Role

Speaker 1 6:30

It feels like people sometimes forget that we are in the trenches too . We are doing diaper changes , de-escalating behaviors , getting hit on or kicked and then asked to be back in the room with a smile on our face . I just wish that was acknowledged more often . We're doing hard work and it is emotional work . This one hit home for me . We talk a lot about how emotionally draining special education can be for teachers , but our paras are right there with us facing many of the same challenges , sometimes without the same support system . A simple check-in or thank you can go a long way in making them feel seen for the work they do every single day .

Speaker 1 7:07

And finally , one last response to this question really captured the need for mutual respect . She said just because I don't have a teaching degree doesn't mean I don't know how to support kids . I bring a lot to the table experience , relationships and ideas . I wish my teacher would include me in conversations instead of making all the decisions without me . This input reflects what so many paras want but don't always feel they're allowed to have a seat at the table . Inclusion doesn't just apply to our students . Inviting paraprofessionals into the planning and problem-solving process builds stronger collaboration , improves outcomes for kids and reinforces that this is a team effort . The third question I asked them was if you could change one thing about how teachers and paras work together , what would it be ? And when I asked this question , what they would change about the way teachers and pairs work together , their answers weren't about workload or schedules . They were about connection and clarity .

Speaker 1 8:03

Going back to some of the same answers that we've gotten before , this question brought out honest , constructive feedback , which are the things that can truly make or break a team dynamic . The first response was I wish teachers included us more in the planning conversations . Sometimes I walk into a lesson and I don't know what's going on until we are already halfway through it . I've had amazing teachers who treat me like a teammate and others who talk down to me or ignore me . Listen when we loop our paras into the planning process , even briefly , it sends a clear message you matter and your role is important here . Another response was I wish there was more feedback about what I'm doing well and not just when something goes wrong . Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing a good job , because I never really hear anything . It makes me second guess everything I'm doing . What

What Paras Would Change

Speaker 1 8:51

I love about these answers is that they are so doable . We don't need to overhaul our entire system , but instead shift how we communicate , collaborate and show appreciation . The message is clear Parents just want to be informed , they want to be respected and they want to be acknowledged , and as special educators , we have the opportunity to lead the way in making that happen .

Speaker 1 9:09

The fourth question was what helps you feel like a respected part of the special education team ? By asking this question , I wanted to get to the heart of what makes someone feel like a part of a team and not just an individual . I don't want them to just be included , but respected , equal and heard . The first response was I love when I'm asked to share information that goes into the IEP or check-ins about students , even if I don't have that much to share . Just being asked shows me that my input matters and it makes me feel like an important part of the team . Another answer on this one was I think for me , just being acknowledged goes a long way . A quick thank you or telling me that I handled something well makes me feel like what I'm doing actually matters . We are doing some hard things every day and I like when that is not taken for granted . Recognition doesn't have to be grand , it just has to be genuine . And the last question I asked was what kind of training or support would help you feel more confident in your role ?

Speaker 1 10:10

When I asked this question , my goal

Respect as Team Members

Speaker 1 10:12

was to understand where our paras feel underprepared and , more importantly , how can we better set them up for success . The answers weren't about needing more meetings or rules . They were about wanting real practical tools to do their jobs well . The first response was one area where I struggle and wish I had more training on is behavior plans . Sometimes I'm expected to follow a plan , but no one ever fully explains it to me or what to do if it's not working . Also , aac devices . I had a teacher tell me to use a device with a student but never showed me how .

Speaker 1 10:44

And another para said special education teachers use a lot of words that I don't understand . I want to do a good job , but sometimes I'm afraid to ask what something means because I don't want to look dumb . It would help so much if teachers explain things more , or even if I had a list that I could look back on later . And then the last response for this question was I'm a visual learner , so when a teacher tells me something , I don't

Training Needs and Support

Speaker 1 11:06

always understand exactly what she meant . And then when I don't do it right . I feel like I've let her down . It would help me feel more confident if I could have an explanation in writing of what I needed to do .

Speaker 1 11:17

These responses highlight something that we all need to remember Our paras want to do their jobs well . They care deeply about their work and their students , but sometimes they just need the right tools and guidance to get there . When we assume that paras just know what we mean or what to do , we unintentionally set them up to fail . We make them feel unsecure , unsure , anxious or left out . But when we take the time to break things down , to provide those visuals or those quick reference tools and then to invite questions without judgment , we are building a more empowered team . So I hope you got some takeaways from their responses .

Speaker 1 11:53

Hearing directly from Perez in this episode has been a powerful reminder of how much their voices matter and how , unfortunately , they often go unheard . These aren't complaints . They are honest reflections from people who care deeply about the work they do and who want to do it well . And what stood out the most to me is how simple many of their requests really are Ask for my input , explain the plan , say thank you , help me learn . That's it . They're not asking for the moon . They're asking for respect , for clarity and for connection . And the truth is , when we commit to building strong , respectful relationships with our paras , everyone benefits . Our classrooms run smoother , our students thrive and we as teachers feel more supported too . So if there's one takeaway I hope you carry with you after today , it's this Leadership isn't about having all the answers .

Speaker 1 12:41

Instead , it's about listening , learning and leading with intention . You have the ability to create a team where everyone feels valued , supported and confident in their role . So here's your task . At the beginning of this upcoming school year , I want you to intentionally set aside time to ask your paraprofessionals these five questions what's something that will make you feel valued ? What do you want me to understand about your role ? If you could change one thing about how we work together , what would it be ? What helps you feel like a respected and equal part of the team , and what kind of training or support would help you feel more confident in your role ? Give them the space to answer honestly , listen with intention and then take what you learn

Building Strong Teams for Success

Speaker 1 13:20

and use it to build the team you want .

Speaker 1 13:22

If you want a head start on building a strong foundation with your team . Head over to wwwspedprepacademycom slash team to grab your free 10 step guide to creating a team culture . It's full of actionable , easy to implement strategies to help you build a program where every team member feels seen , valued and empowered . Again , that's wwwspedprepacademycom slash team . Next week we have a para bonus episode . There just so happens to be five Wednesdays in July , so next week I'll be back with a practical conversation about how to take everything you've learned this month and put it into action . You won't want to miss it .