Let’s Be Honest—Paras Are Amazing, But Managing Adults Can Be Hard!
Working with paraeducators is one of the most rewarding (and sometimes challenging) parts of being a special education teacher. Let’s face it—our classrooms wouldn’t function without them! But figuring out how to train and manage paraeducators can feel overwhelming, especially when time and resources are tight.
The good news? There are some awesome, free training programs for paraeducators that can make your life easier. Let’s dive into a few resources that will set your team up for success.
AbleNet’s Free Webinars for Paraeducators
AbleNet is a fantastic resource for special education teachers. They provide curriculum and assistive technology, but they also offer free paraeducator training webinars! These webinars cover classroom strategies, behavior management, and ways to support students with disabilities.
Whether you need quick tips or in-depth strategies, AbleNet’s webinars are great for both new and experienced paras—and teachers, too. They even have live sessions if you like learning in real-time. Check out AbleNet’s webinars here.
PaTTAN Paraeducator Training Series
Looking for online paraeducator workshops with tons of variety? PaTTAN’s got you covered. They offer free online training for paraprofessionals on topics like behavior support, special education basics, and academic strategies.
The best part? You can download the materials and use them whenever you’re ready. No complicated setup needed! Learn more about PaTTAN’s resources here.
Project Para: Free and Self-Paced Training Program
Need something flexible for your team? Project Para is a free online paraeducator certification program that’s perfect for busy schedules. Once you register your school, you can enroll as many paras as you need.
Each unit includes a pretest, hands-on activities, and a posttest to track progress. The 14 modules cover everything from special education basics to supporting students with academics and behaviors. Most units take about 2 hours, so it’s super manageable. Sign up for Project Para here.
Practical Tips for Managing Paras (and Keeping Your Sanity)
Formal training programs are great, but day-to-day management matters, too. That’s why I created a 3-part blog series to help:
This series walks you through everything from creating clear schedules to giving feedback and building a positive classroom culture.
You’ve Got This!
Training and managing paraeducators doesn’t have to be stressful. With these free paraeducator training programs and tools, you’ll have a confident, capable team in no time. Remember—communication, ongoing support, and practical strategies are key.
I’d love to hear from you—what’s your best tip for training paraeducators? Drop your ideas in the comments below!
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