CHP 4: Collaboration

I work at a school that maintains effective collaboration amongst faculty, parent-teacher, and student-teacher interactions.  Each week I meet with my fellow teachers and the instructional facilitator during grade level planning.  I am exposed to the expertise and knowledge of six fellow faculty members to help me incorporate best teaching practices within my classroom, especially teaching practices that will best fit the needs of my exceptional students.

I do feel, however, that I do not collaborate enough with the paraprofessionals at my school, including the ERI teacher and the computer facilitator.  District budget cuts have removed certified teachers from these two areas.  Before this occurred, teachers met formally with these co-workers to discuss classroom interventions to aid special needs students.  Presently, formal time is not scheduled to meet with these instructors to have official collaboration.  I do know each instructor very well and am thankful to have the opportunity to work with two incredible people.  However, I wish formal meetings were scheduled with each to discuss student progress and to discuss best teaching practices to meet these students needs.

I understand that paraprofessionals are HIGHLY underpaid for the immense service they provide for education and this is one of the reasons they are not required to attend formal faculty meetings.  However, I know the paraprofessionals that I work with would gladly meet with me to discuss student progress.  My goal is to meet especially with the ERI teacher on a regular basis to discuss the progress of the students she is serving.  I feel that a stronger collaboration will help me best meet the needs of the individuals I teach.