As the school year progresses, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that your instructional and therapy assistants are supported and thriving in their roles. These team members are essential to the success of our students, but how do we ensure that our assistants are equipped to excel, and what happens if someone isn’t doing well in the role?
Don’t Assume Knowledge
Assistants bring a wide range of skills and experiences to the classroom, but it is important not to assume knowledge and have open lines of communication from the start. Whether your assistant is a seasoned professionals or just starting out, it’s important to create an environment where they can thrive. Here are some strategies to help them develop and grow:
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- Recognize Their Strengths: Take the time to understand the unique strengths of your assistant. Whether it’s building relationships with students, taking data, creating materials, or managing behaviors, play to their strengths and assign them tasks where they can excel.
- Consistent Communication: Beyond day to day conversations, regular structured check-ins are key to supporting your assistant (and in some cases, such as therapy assistants, this is required by law). For those assistants who are more independent, a monthly standing meeting to discuss what’s going well and where they need support might be enough. For newer team members, more frequent check-ins can help address challenges before they become roadblocks.
- Mentorship and Peer Support: Everyone benefits from connecting with others in the same role. Encourage collaboration by pairing experienced assistants with those who may need more guidance, whether that be at the same school or via virtual support and collaboration in the district. Peer mentorship can foster a strong team culture and help newer assistants develop confidence and skills.
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What If Your Assistant Needs More?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an instructional or therapy assistant may not be managing thriving in their role. In these cases, it’s important to handle the situation thoughtfully and with respect. Here are some clear ways to support these individuals and course correct:
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- Set Clear Expectations Early On: From the beginning, have open conversations about your expectations for their role, as well as their personal goals. This helps establish a solid foundation and gives you a framework to refer back to if issues arise.
- Offer Constructive Feedback: When challenges occur, provide clear, constructive feedback and offer support to help them improve. If progress isn’t being made, having a structured improvement plan with objective goals in place can guide the next steps.
- Encourage Career Reflection: If it becomes clear that the role still isn’t the best match, focus on their strengths and help them consider other opportunities where their skills might be better suited. If they are in elementary, would younger or older students be a better fit? This respectful approach makes the transition smoother for everyone involved.
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Tools for Success
As you continue to develop your instructional team, here are some tools and strategies to keep in mind:
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- Track Progress and Feedback: Keeping detailed notes on your regular check-ins and follow-ups with your assistant will help you both track progress over time and identify any areas where additional support is needed.
- Promote Open Communication: Encourage your assistant to voice their concerns, needs, or suggestions. Whether it’s through regular team meetings or more informal chats, maintaining an open line of communication will foster a collaborative and positive work environment.
- Celebrate Wins: Recognize the contributions of your assistant, big and small. A simple acknowledgment can go a long way in making them feel valued and motivated to continue growing in their role.
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The key to a successful collaborative working relationship is fostering a respectful and supportive environment. By focusing on your assistant’s strengths and maintaining open communication, you can build an instructional team that not only meets but exceeds expectations.