In today’s dynamic educational environment, collaboration between classroom educators and paraeducators—often referred to as teaching assistants—plays a pivotal role in meeting students’ diverse needs.
This professional partnership enhances the classroom experience by combining distinct skills and perspectives to support learning, particularly for students who require individualized assistance.
From my own experience as a school leader and in district leadership over the past two decades, I’ve seen how strong educator-paraeducator partnerships can transform classrooms into more inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments.
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Recently, a robust conversation with paraeducator Luie Gomes from Ansonia Public Schools in Connecticut reminded me just how meaningful this work can be when rooted in purpose and passion.
‘Help students win the day’
The relationship between educators and paraeducators is one of interdependence. Educators lead instruction, set goals and manage classroom dynamics, while paraeducators provide targeted support, interventions and consistency that strengthen student engagement.
When this partnership is well-structured, it creates a learning ecosystem where every student has access to the support they need to succeed.
This dynamic is incredibly impactful in classrooms with students who benefit from individualized instruction—students with learning differences, behavioral needs or who are learning English. Paraeducators can reinforce instructional goals through one-on-one or small-group support, and when aligned with educators’ plans, they can help create differentiated strategies that leave no learner behind.
During my interview with Gomes, a seasoned paraeducator with a master’s degree in education, I was reminded of how powerful this alignment can be. Luie shared that his mindset walking into any classroom is simple: “Help students win the day.”
His approach, built on small steps and lasting belief in student potential, highlights paraeducators’ deep care and dedication to the classroom. What resonated most was when Luie explained how his experience receiving student services shaped his passion for the role.
That personal connection helps him understand the challenges students face and fuels his drive to never let students forget how capable they are. Professionals like Luie remind us that empathy, when paired with skill and strategy, can be a game-changer in education.
Strategic planning as the foundation of collaboration
Intentional planning is essential for partnerships to thrive. Regularly scheduled meetings between educators and paraeducators create a shared understanding of instructional goals, student needs, and classroom roles. These sessions foster a collaborative mindset and prevent the paraeducator role from becoming reactive or unclear.
Digital collaboration tools like shared calendars or communication platforms can streamline the planning process and keep everyone aligned. Flexibility must also be embedded in the plan, as student needs can shift quickly. Regular check-ins—formal or informal—ensure that both team members can adapt strategies in real time to support learning effectively.
Power of high-level communication
Communication is the backbone of any successful partnership. Frequent and intentional communication ensures the educator and paraeducator feel informed, supported, and respected. Daily touchpoints, either in-person or virtual, help address immediate classroom needs while building trust.
Luie emphasized this point in our conversation: “It is important to always communicate with educators as soon as possible.” He added that feedback should never be withheld, whether it’s an observation from a student interaction or a subtle form of nonverbal communication. Paraeducators are often the first to pick up on these cues, and sharing them can dramatically improve instructional decisions.
Establishing clear communication norms—how often to check in, preferred tools and the tone of conversations—ensures that everyone feels heard and valued. A culture of openness and active listening reinforces the sense of shared mission.
Sustaining professional relationships
Beyond planning and communication, the foundation of impactful partnerships lies in mutual respect and trust. Recognizing each other’s contributions builds a positive, empowered environment where collaboration becomes second nature.
Joint professional development—especially sessions focused on behavior strategies, inclusive practices, or technology tools—strengthens both skill sets and the working relationship. Participation in professional learning communities further nurtures collaboration by creating spaces where educators and paraeducators can share insights and reflect on practice together.
When challenges arise, addressing them with empathy and solution-based thinking can turn conflict into growth. As with any strong team, the goal is to stay united in service of students.
Real-world examples of impact
In one elementary school where I worked, a paraeducator and teacher collaborated to support a student with autism by co-creating a consistent daily routine. The paraeducator’s insight into triggers and preferences allowed the teacher to adjust instruction, ultimately leading to increased engagement and reduced behavioral disruptions.
At the high school level, I witnessed a dynamic partnership between a paraeducator and educator working with English language learners. While the teacher focused on academic goals, the paraeducator reinforced those goals through small-group scaffolding. This synergy improved not just academic performance but also students’ confidence and sense of belonging.
6 action items for schools
To foster stronger educator-paraeducator partnerships, schools and districts should consider the following steps:
- Provide scheduled planning time: Build in time for educators and paraeducators to co-plan, reflect, and adjust strategies.
- Invest in joint professional development: Offer training opportunities where both roles can learn side by side—especially in areas like inclusive practices, trauma-informed care, or technology integration.
- Use collaborative tools for communication: Leverage shared platforms to track goals, student data, and responsibilities in real-time.
- Establish clear communication norms: Define expectations for check-ins, feedback sharing, and collaborative discussions to build trust.
- Celebrate contributions and shared wins: Recognize both educators and paraeducators in school-wide communications, awards, or appreciation events.
- Create feedback loops: Encourage paraeducators to share student insights and educator feedback openly—and ensure there’s a structured way for it to be heard.
