KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney will host a free professional learning opportunity this month designed to strengthen partnerships between special education teachers and paraeducators.
Building Effective Teacher-Paraeducator Partnerships is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 24 at UNK’s Regional Engagement Center, 2204 University Drive. Registration is required by Sept. 18.
The event will focus on effective communication and teamwork, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, flexibility and shared support for students throughout the school day. Stronger partnerships between teachers and paraeducators can create greater consistency while supporting student learning and success.
Participants will take part in hands-on learning activities and receive practical strategies they can apply in their schools. Teachers and paraeducators from the same school are encouraged to attend together, providing an opportunity to learn, plan and problem-solve as a team.
“Building Effective Teacher-Paraeducator Partnerships equips paraeducators and special education teachers with the shared tools, clear communication and practical strategies needed to support students with consistency, independence and belonging throughout the school day,” said Christine Fisher, an associate professor and assistant chair for teacher education at UNK.
Fisher will lead the event with UNK Teacher Education lecturers Kathy Maxson and Crystal Warner.
Lunch will be provided, and participants will receive a certificate of attendance along with professional resources and materials they can use in their classrooms.
The event is sponsored by the UNK College of Education and Regional Engagement Center, with support from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Qualified Census Tract Recovery Grant Program.
Registration is available online at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/baKm3huBdF.
For more information, contact Fisher at fisherce@unk.edu or 308-865-8547.