Minnesota's Governor has repeatedly proclaimed the final week in January as Paraprofessional Recognition Week, and nationally a day to appreciate these educators is celebrated in early April.
As we look forward to both of these events, it's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the difference-making role that paraprofessionals and Educational Assistants (EAs) have in so many students' lives. They are team players who possess profound patience, flexibility, and thoughtfulness.
They help students to inhabit a Goldilocks Zone of productive struggle, never pushed too hard or too gently. They "read the need" and provide just enough support for students to succeed while developing greater independent capability.