CES Model for Paraeducator Training
The CES approach positions paraeducators not only as learners, but also as leaders, contributors, and creators of professional knowledge. Through study groups, job-embedded practice, peer teaching, and collaborative resource development, participants leave the program with both enhanced skills and a lasting professional resource authored by the paraeducators themselves.
CES specialists can develop tailored training sessions and modules specifically targeting your school and district’s own needs, or build a highly effective year-long program based on the DESE Paraeducator E-Learning Modules. In either case, CES specialists are experienced in building a program that will support both onboarding and ongoing professional learning for paraeducators.
A Model That Supports Paraeducators in New Ways
Our most effective approach leverages a Community of Practice (COP) model that transforms the learning into a year-long, job-embedded professional learning experience, incorporating collaboration, modeling, practice, leadership development, and the creation of district-specific resources.
To inquire about tailoring a program for your school or district, please email aburke@collaborative.org.
Participants will:
- Deepen their understanding of effective paraeducator practice
- Develop leadership and facilitation skills
- Practice new strategies through role playing, modeling, and classroom implementation
- Learn collaboratively through study groups and peer coaching
- Design and facilitate professional development sessions for their colleagues
- Create a district-specific Paraeducator Manual that captures best practices, tools, and resources developed throughout the program
- Build a sustainable professional learning network of paraeducators across the district
Your Paraeducator Program can be designed to include:
Special Education Consulting Team
Laurel Peltier
Laurel Peltier holds an Ed.D. in Special Education Leadership and C.A.G.S. in Special Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, as well as a professional license as a Special Education Administrator in Massachusetts. She has over 25 years of experience in transition assessment, planning and service delivery, and has provided leadership for transition in public schools and at the college level. Laurel is a co-author of Responsive Collaboration for IEP and 504 Teams (CORWIN, May 2022) to support all stakeholders at the IEP or 504 table – educators, related service providers, parents/caregivers, and students – with tools and strategies to experience more satisfying collaboration. She is also the designer and leader of the Special Education Team Leader Institute.
Prior to joining the team at CES, Laurel developed and led public and private secondary school programs for students with disabilities, taught undergraduate and graduate courses in special education and writing, and acted as a consultant and professional development provider for more than 20 school districts in Massachusetts. Her most recent post was with the Amherst Pelham Regional High School. In addition to her professional experience, Laurel brings experience as the parent of a child with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Position: Curriculum and Instructional Specialist in Special Education
Email: lpeltier@collaborative.org
Mary Geiring
Mary A. Geiring is a CES Special Education Co – Teaching and Inclusion Specialist in the Professional Development Department. She holds a Special Education Ph.D. from the University of New Orleans in 2018, a Masters of Science in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Sacred Heart University. She is a member of the American Education Research Association, the National Association for Special Educators, the National Association for Multicultural Education, and the Council for Exceptional Children. Her major areas of research include teacher collaboration, teacher preparation, responsive classroom, teacher induction, and inclusion practices. Prior to joining CES, Mary was an LEA Facilitator at Muscogee County Schools in Columbus, GA. Her previous experience includes Program Director of the Special Education and Habilitative Services Department at the University of New Orleans, and over nine years of experience as a special education instructor in school settings.
Position: Curriculum and Instructional Specialist
Email: mgeiring@collaborative.org
Contact Us Today!
If you are interested in co-designing a robust program of training and support for your paraeducator workforce, we would love to talk further about your goals. Please reach out to Angela Burke, Director of Professional Services, at aburke@collaborative.org, or complete the inquiry form at the right.