To all the amazing paras in this group...
I just wanted to give a shout-out to all the amazing paras in this group!
This past year, I started working as a Pre-K para in my hometown after my teaching job fell through because I couldn’t find housing near the district. I honestly didn’t know what to expect going into the year, and there were definitely ups and downs. Some days were wonderful, some were exhausting, and there were plenty of moments where I felt completely in over my head.
I found this Reddit group while looking for advice about different situations at work, and I was met with so much encouragement and kindness from everyone here. Reading your posts and advice helped me more than you probably realize.
Yesterday, I got hired as a lead teacher at my local elementary school! I’ll be teaching kindergarten, which means I get to continue working with many of the students I’ve grown to love this year. I’m so thankful for my time as a para because it gave me confidence, classroom experience, and a whole new appreciation for everything paras do every single day.
The work you all do often goes unseen, but now that I’ve experienced it firsthand, I know just how hard you work and how important you are. Being a para is not for the faint of heart.
And for anyone working toward becoming a lead teacher someday: keep going. Your experience matters, your work matters, and you absolutely can do it.
Let's finish the school year strong!