I have a job interview on Monday. It's with the school system for a job even the secretary didn't have a discription for. Anybody know what a special ed paraeducator does? Our school district has an on-line application process. All summer, I've been putting in applications for jobs that I thought I could do. This is the first call I've gotten. After 20 some years as a SAHM, it's exciting.

WH hasn't been making any noises about me getting a job. In fact, he seems to avoid the issue. I'm applying for things to help me move on. I want a job with the school district because it wouldn't have as much impact on my DD. I would have similar hours and holidays.

Wish me luck!

sounds like a great opportunity

good luck

WOOHOO!!!!

Best of luck to you, Grapegirl.

K <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

GREAT GRAPE!!

Head up! Chest out!

Hi grapegirl -

I did a search on yahoo under “special ed paraeducator.” As I suspected, it is a teacher’s aide position – someone who works with the children under the teacher’s supervision. The type of help needed will depend on the age group and type of special ed class it is.

I have substitute taught in special ed classes before. The students needs can range anywhere from diaper changes (even teenagers) to needing help learning how to read or count money, or it could be a class of students with behavioral disorders, who need a great deal of close supervision.

Does the school have a web site where you could read up about their special ed classes, and maybe even find out which class needs an aide? It really seems like the secretary should have had more info for you. They might have trouble filling those positions.

I don’t know what your skills or interests are, but working with special needs kids can really be rewarding, but it is also very emotionally demanding and draining. There is a real need for people to help in special ed classes. The aides really do help a great deal, and good people are hard to find. Good luck to you.

God bless,

Rose

I had my job interview today. When I got home, there was a message from a different school and now, I have another interview tomorrow.

The job today was to be a "keeper" for a special ed kid in a classroom. Apparently, he's very bright but can't always control his actions. They feel that having a person dedicated to him would help keep him focused. I had to laugh because it sounded like what I've done with my boys for years. I felt like the teachers really liked me. They are looking for a person who is a good match for the child.

Tomorrow's interview is for another special ed job. This one is at a school much closer to home.

Two interviews in 2 days after a 20 year hiatis. Not bad.

Grapegirl,

Sounds like a very rewarding job opportunity. My YS has a girl in class who has her own educational assistant too. It's made a huge difference to her.

Congratulations! Keep us posted!

That's GREAT GG! The 1:1 attention is invaluable to the student and the teacher to inhance educational opportunities but depending on the kid it can be very challenging. But I'd bet with your personality you'd be great at it.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

My gosh! I just got home from 3 days of camping with 3 kids. It was such fun.

When I got home, there was a nice message on the phone. On Monday, I'd interview at another school. It's still titled as special education paraeducator. It's closer to my house and would be working with more and different kids. The message said that they'd been impressed with me and would like a second interview on Monday.

I am twirling. This school is about 5 minutes away from my daughter's middle school. I would be able to put her on her bus, have a couple of hours, work and be home about 45 minutes after she got home. The timing would work for my Girl Scout troop. It's not rocket science but it's a start.

After 20 some years, I'm probably going to work. Weird!

Sounds very promising! If you need some tips on how to control that little hellion, give me a page. I can pass on some of my hawg tyin' skills! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It's funny, when they asked me how I felt about restraining kids, I said "Sounds like home." Actually, I'd love to learn how to tie a hog. Sounds like a good lifeskill.

hey, if you can wrassle down a hawg, you can surely wrassle down most anything! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I wish you all the luck- see god does make a way when we dont see anyway.