This virtual training is for anyone interested in becoming a teacher's aide, or anyone already working as a teacher's aide and would like to earn professional development hours. This trainning qualifies participants to becoming a Title 1 Paraprofessional or an Educational Aide I.
All students deserve a highly qualified teacher, and that includes paraprofessionals! Our goal is to set up educational aides for success by providing relevant and scientifically-based strategies to assist in reading, writing, and math instruction. This three-day virtual training also consists of an orientation to the role of paraprofessionals, a breakdown of the stages of learning, and behavior basics.
Participants will enjoy a fast-paced and informative experience through Zoom that includes live-webinar instruction, video assignments, online interaction, and assessments, certifying that they’re ready for the rewards of an educational aide. The Texas Education Code (TEC) requires that all Title I schools employ a highly qualified workforce, including paraprofessionals, and we are ready to help you meet this requirement!
Training modules include:
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overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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Response to Intervention (RtI)
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confidentiality
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overview of TEKS/STAAR
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literacy basics (phonological/phonemic awareness, fluency, writing, word study/vocabulary, and comprehension)
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data collection
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tools for supporting reading, math and the writing process.
To complete this certification training, participants must:
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attend and complete the entire 18-hour training, through Zoom, the online learning platform used for this virtual training. Please see technology requirements below.
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pass a locally developed academic assessment demonstrating knowledge of, and the ability to assist in reading, writing, and math instruction, with a proficiency in the English language.
Important Note: Registration for the Paraprofessional Certification Training will close 7 days prior to the sessions to allow sufficient time for materials to be mailed out.
What do I need to participate in the 3-day training?
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Submission of your high school diploma/transcript, GED, or college transcript either as a scan or digital copy upon registration to zenaida.pena@esc13.txed.net.
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Also, please email your mailing address to zenaida.pena@esc13.txed.net upon registration so a handbook may be mailed to you (PO Boxes cannot be used).
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Availability for all three days from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. A one-hour break for lunch is provided with break in-between. Full attendance for the three days is required to receive a certificate of completion.
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A digital learning set-up such as a computer or tablet with speakers (or earphones), a microphone, a web camera, and internet access is required. Your face must be present during the training, so a web camera or your device camera is needed.
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You will want a workspace with enough table area to write notes in the Paraprofessional Institute handbook that is mailed to you and any additional participation notes that are required. A pencil and notebook paper is recommended.
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Zoom is the online platform that you will be using for the live webinar and a basic understanding of how to access/participate in a zoom meeting is required. If you are unsure of how to use Zoom, watch the tutorial below prior to the first day of the Paraprofessional Institute. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-
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A Zoom invitation link will be emailed to you the day before the session begins. We will also host an optional Zoom training session the evening before the institute begins from 5-6 pm. This will be an open house where you can log in and practice using Zoom.
What will the live online sessions be like?
We will be participating in a variety of ways to interact with others throughout the webinar and will group different ways such as:
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Full Group – This is an opportunity to interact with other participants virtually, talk about the topics for the day, and check-in with how everyone is understanding the content. Full group instruction will occur often each day in an online learning environment.
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Small-Group Breakout Session – Throughout the day, participants will come together virtually in small groups, through Zoom's breakout rooms. This option provides more discussions and activities that allow those attending to engage with the concepts they are learning, not only from general instruction but also from their peers. Small group instruction might happen 1-6 times a day.
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Self Guided instruction – For some portions of this course, assignments will be given for participants to complete on their own time. This may occur 1-3 times a day.
Cancellation Policy:
This training requires a handbook to be mailed to participants in advance, because of this, any cancellations after the registration close date will be granted a partial refund until the handbook is returned to Region 13. Those who must cancel after registration has closed will also have the option of transferring their registration to a future training session.