All students deserve a highly qualified teacher, and that includes paraprofessionals! This virtual training is designed for individuals interested in becoming a teacher's aide or for those already working in this role who wish to earn professional development hours. This training qualifies participants to become a Title I Paraprofessional, leading to an Educational Aide I certification.
Our goal is to equip educational aides with the tools for success by providing relevant and scientifically based strategies to support reading, writing, and math instruction. This three-day virtual training also includes an orientation to the role of paraprofessionals, a breakdown of the stages of learning, and an introduction to 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. We are ready to help you meet this requirement!
Training modules include:
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Overview of the roles and responsibilities of an Educational Aide
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Overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other SPED and general education basics
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Response to Intervention (RtI) and Differentiation
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Confidentiality and Ethics
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Behavior Basics
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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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Learning Strategies (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 the 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 proficiency in the English language.
Important Note: Registration for the Paraprofessional Certification Training will close 10 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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Diplomas or transcripts from outside the U.S. must undergo a basic or general evaluation by a foreign credential company, such as a general analysis from The Evaluation Company.
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Additionally, please email your mailing address to zenaida.pena@esc13.txed.net upon registration so that a guidebook can be mailed to you.
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Availability for all three days from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. A one-hour lunch break is provided, with breaks in between. Full attendance is required for all three days 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. A web camera on your device is required, as your face must be present during the training.
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This training is entirely virtual, including testing and writing submission. Technology skills required include navigating the internet, opening links and documents, managing your email, and typing on your device.
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You will want a workspace with sufficient table area to write notes from the Paraprofessional Institute Guidebook that is mailed to you, as well as any additional notes that may be required for participation. A pencil and notebook paper are recommended.
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Zoom is the online platform you will use for the live webinar, and a basic understanding of how to access/participate in a Zoom meeting is required. If you are unsure about how to use Zoom, please watch the tutorial below before 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 Tutorial session the evening before the institute takes place from 5-6 pm. This will be an open house where you can log in and practice using Zoom at any time during the hour.
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, discuss the topics for the day, and check in on how everyone is understanding the content. Full group instruction will often occur 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 attendees to engage with the concepts they are learning, not only through general instruction but also through interactions with their peers. Small-group instruction may occur 1-4 times a day.
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Self-guided instruction – For certain portions of this course, assignments will be provided for participants to complete at their own pace. This may occur one to three times a day.
Cancellation Policy:
This training requires a guidebook to be mailed to participants in advance. Therefore, any cancellations made after the registration close date will be granted a partial refund, pending the return of the guidebook 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.