Use a Paraprofessional Interest Survey to Get to Know Your Paraprofessionals

 Have you ever wondered…what in the world would I do without my paraprofessionals? Actually, you have probably experienced not having them there to help. Whether they were out sick, had left the job, or you were short-handed for a time, not having a full staff to run a special education department can be incredibly challenging. 

The absence of paraprofessionals leaves special educators, and students, with a void. The invaluable support they give, from providing personalized instruction and behavior management to assisting with daily living skills and facilitating smooth transitions, becomes glaringly apparent when they are not there.

That’s why it’s so important to appreciate and recognize the efforts of these unsung heroes in order to maintain a thriving and inclusive educational environment. One effective way to ensure you have a successful partnership with your staff is by getting to know them, both professionally AND personally.

What Is a Paraprofessional Interest Survey?

A paraprofessional interest survey or questionnaire (or preference profile) is a valuable tool used in educational settings to gather insights about the interests, strengths, weaknesses and personal preferences of those who support our students.

By administering this survey, educators aim to understand the individual qualities and aspirations of each para, fostering a collaborative working relationship. The survey typically includes questions about areas of expertise, preferred tasks and communication preferences. The survey should be specific to the specific program and situation of the individual teacher.

Why Use a Paraprofessional Interest Survey?

There are several reasons why using a Paraprofessional Interest Survey is beneficial. First, it helps to build rapport and understanding between teachers and paraprofessionals. By understanding their interests, background, and experiences, teachers can foster a collaborative environment and create meaningful relationships. 

Second, the survey enables teachers to identify the unique strengths and skills of each paraprofessional. This information can then be utilized to assign tasks and responsibilities that align with their abilities, ultimately benefiting both the paraprofessional and the students. 

Third, personalized professional development opportunities can be provided to paraprofessionals based on their interests and professional goals. This promotes growth, improves job satisfaction, and enhances overall performance.

Ultimately, a para survey serves as a powerful means to deepen the connection between teachers and paraprofessionals, leading to enhanced collaboration and improved outcomes for students.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using an Interest Survey:

• Create the survey to meet your needs

Consider including a range of questions that delve into both the personal and professional aspects of their lives. Start by asking about their birthday, and favorite drink and snack choice. Ask about their aspirations and hidden talents. Explore passions outside of the classroom to better understand what ignites their enthusiasm.

Additionally, identify what they feel are their specific skills, strengths and areas of expertise within your department. Ask about preferred tasks such as field trips, toileting and feeding. Understanding where they feel secure and insecure will help align roles with tasks that they genuinely enjoy and feel confident in performing.

Lastly, take into consideration their communication style and preferences for working in a team. Through your questioning you can begin to understand what makes them feel vulnerable and what makes them feel valued.

• Introduce the Survey and its Purpose

Intentionally introduce the survey and its purpose to the paraprofessionals. Explain the importance of the survey in creating a supportive work environment and share the benefits of using the survey, such as personalized assignments and professional development opportunities.

It’s important to not just tell your staff to complete the survey without explaining the reasoning for it and your hopes for the outcome.

• Administer the Paraprofessional Interest Survey

The next step is to administer the Paraprofessional Interest Survey. There are a number of different surveys available online, or you can create your own. Be sure to provide clear instructions on how to complete the survey and encourage honesty and confidentiality to build trust.

You can administer it digitally or by using paper and pencil. Personally, I love the digital aspect so when I have a staff member whose strength is NOT technology, I will have her do it on paper and then enter the information myself digitally.

• Review and Analyze the Survey Responses

Once the survey is complete, review and analyze the responses to gain insights into the interests, skills, and experiences of each paraprofessional. Identify common themes and patterns to better understand their collective strengths.

Schedule one-on-one meetings with each paraprofessional to discuss their survey responses. Seek clarification, ask follow-up questions, and encourage open dialogue to deepen the understanding of their preferences and aspirations.

• Tailor Assignments and Responsibilities

Utilize the gathered information to assign tasks and responsibilities that align with each paraprofessional's interests and skills. Consider their desired areas of professional growth and provide opportunities for them to excel.

Keep in mind that there will be times when an non-preferred task will need to be completed by someone who has expressed that it is their least favorite. It is at these times that the understanding and team-mentality fostered through the use of the survey will be beneficial. Engage in open communication, acknowledge their feelings and provide support as they tackle the challenging task.

Promote even further teamwork by taking your turn doing these non-preferred tasks. Never expect your staff to do something you are unwilling to do yourself.

• Provide Continuous Support and Professional Development

Regularly check in with paraprofessionals to assess their progress and offer ongoing support. Identify relevant professional development opportunities aligned with their interests and career goals. These check-ins are essential to maintaining open lines of communication and ensure that paraprofessionals feel valued and heard.

It’s also important to be proactive in identifying relevant professional development opportunities that align with their interests and career goals. Not every para needs the same training. Individualize what resources and support you provide based on their unique needs and aspirations. Remember that the survey is a dynamic tool and as the journey progresses, interests may evolve and new strengths may emerge. Stay attuned to these changes and adjust your support accordingly.

Need a starting point? 

For me, being told about how to do something is great, but showing me something is what seals the deal. I have to be able to visualize how I can use it with my department. 

This survey is easy and quick for your staff to complete at the beginning of the year or when a new para is hired. Then, summarize the data and use the information on the to make decisions. By taking their preferences into account, you are showing them that you care about them, you support them and you want them to be happy in their role. 

Get your free copy of the Para Interest Survey Here!

By utilizing a Paraprofessional Interest Survey, teachers can support paraprofessionals in special education classrooms effectively. Understanding their interests, skills, and aspirations allows for personalized assignments, fosters collaboration, and promotes professional growth. By creating a paraprofessional interest survey that genuinely reflects the essence of each staff member, we embark on a transformative journey of understanding and empowerment. This survey lays the foundation for a supportive and collaborative work environment, where the paraprofessionals can embrace their true potential and become an integral part of the team.

If you love the freebie but want an editable version..no worries!

Check out the Editable Paraprofessional Interest Survey - Get to Know You Google Form