Supervising Paraprofessionals: Necessary Skills for Special Educators to Learn in Teacher Licensure Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine supervisory skills special education teachers need to learn based on previous literature. Special education teachers, institute of higher education instructors, and paraprofessionals took part in the study. The participants completed online questionnaires that included items about supervisory skills learned by special education teachers in their teacher licensure programs, as well as how they supervised paraprofessionals. Stakeholder responses revealed several themes. Few special educators received supervisory training, especially in management, role clarification, meeting, orientation, and evaluation of paraprofessionals. Paraprofessionals reported little orientation and evaluation by special education teachers. All stakeholder groups noted the need for special educator training and establishment of communication and working relationship between special educators and paraprofessionals. Responses also reflected disagreement between special education teachers and paraprofessionals about how special educators supervise.