Maine Providing Classroom Management Training to Paraprofessionals to Support Teachers

The Maine Department of Education directed just over $1.8 million to support a week-long course in foundational elements of classroom management and school culture as part of its Learning Facilitator Program. The program is a collaboration with Maine’s Community College System, including Eastern Maine Community College. The intensive coursework includes a combination of online work, professional learning community meetings, and 315 hours of a structured teaching apprenticeship.

We are spotlighting this practice because a key to student success is the ability of educators to manage their classrooms and constructively engage with students. It makes sense to use federal relief funds to help train additional classroom staff in these critical skills as schools focus efforts on overcoming the impact of the pandemic on student learning.

Learn more:

Reviewer Analysis

Jocelyn Pickford

Efforts to improve the pipeline by offering paras additional training and opportunities are smart and timely.

New Leaders

If grounded in current research and aligned to equitable and culturally responsive practices, this program has the opportunity to build paraprofessionals’ capacity to build trusting relationships and support a safe, responsive classroom environment.

The Rural Alliance

We are encouraged by this program and look forward to the full development. With a shortage in rural districts of teachers, there is a real need to prepare a stronger educator workforce

Leslie Villegas

The Education Trust

This program is a great starting point for strengthening the educator workforce. From an equity perspective, the program should prioritize paraprofessionals serving in high-needs schools or in schools that serve a high-population of students of color or students from low income backgrounds. The state should also provide clear opportunities through pipeline initiatives for paraprofessionals to more easily obtain their full-time teacher credentials.

The Bush Center

I like this both because of the content - but also the partnership with community colleges for paraprofessionals has the potential to deepen the educator pipeline in the state.

National Parents Union

With the apprenticeship hours being increased to at least half the school year. The pay be equitable, and that a coach be kept in place to assist with supervision. A clear track that would result in them becoming a full-time teacher.

Back

About the Author

Chad Aldeman is a nationally recognized expert on education policy, including school finance; teacher preparation, evaluation, and compensation; and state standards, assessment, and accountability. Keep up with Chad on the EduProgess: Unpacked blog.