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December Countdown: 3 Ways to Connect with Your Paras Before the Break

In the final episode of 2025, we are shifting the spotlight from survival mode to connection by focusing on the heart of your classroom—the paraprofessionals who support students and teachers every day. 

With winter break fast approaching, this episode includes 3 simple but meaningful ways to strengthen team culture, boost morale, and create a sense of appreciation and belonging before you all head out for a much-needed break.

"These moments don’t just boost morale, they also build connection. And connection is what gets you through the hard days."

In this episode, Jennifer shares three low-lift but high-impact strategies that can help you refocus your team and end the semester on a high note. Whether you’re managing stress, juggling responsibilities, or just trying to make it to the break with a smile intact, these ideas are practical, do-able, and rooted in gratitude.

📝 What You’ll Learn

• Why December is a critical time for team dynamics in special education
• How a handwritten note can restore morale and remind paras they’re valued
• The benefits of conducting light and supportive mid-year check-ins
• Easy ways to add warmth and connection through simple treats or shared moments
• How building connection now sets the tone for a stronger spring semester

🎁 Free Resource

To support your mid-year para check-ins, Jennifer is gifting newsletter subscribers with Paraprofessional Feedback & Reflection Forms—a tool designed to make one-on-one conversations feel intentional, positive, and stress-free. These forms include easy prompts and reflection questions to guide a quick but meaningful conversation with your staff.

✨ Already a subscriber? Check your inbox on Thursday, December 18 for your free download.

Not on the list yet? No worries! You can join the community and grab your freebie at
 👉 spedprepacademy.com/podcast

**If you join after the Dec. 18 newsletter goes out and want the Para Feedback & Reflection Forms, just email me at [email protected] after you join and I'll send them to you!

🌟 Final Thought

You’ve survived the semester. Now it’s time to thrive by lifting up the people who’ve been beside you through the chaos. Collaboration starts with connection, and small gestures now can create big shifts in team culture when you return in January.

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