To request a workshop, please complete a Workshop Request Form (PDF).

Jump to:

• Course Descriptions
• CD-Based Courses

To view all course offerings, visit NYSUT ELT Web Services online and enter "Paraprofessionals" in the subject line.

NYSUT, through the Education and Learning Trust, offers education and training opportunities for SRPs that can enhance their skills and knowledge and improve overall job performance. Workshop offerings include:

• Dealing with Students with Special Needs
• Managing Student Behavior
• Structured Bus Environment
• Preventing Back Injuries
• School Secretary: First Contact/First Impression; and
• Skills for Effective Communication.

Undergraduate courses are also available to help teaching assistants meet certification requirements.

Available courses:

• Introduction to Education for Paraeducators
• English Composition
• Introduction to Exceptionalities
• Supporting Students in Reading and Writing
• Foundations of Mathematics
• Introduction to Human Communication

Contact the Trust at (800) 528-6208 or at ELTmail@nysutmail.org.

Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills

The New York State Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (NYSATAS) is required for all candidates who applied for a State teaching assistant certificate after February 1, 2004 - and NYSUT's here to help.

Course Descriptions

All courses are 3 credits

Introduction to Education for Paraeducators
Students will gain an understanding of: the roles and responsibilities of Paraeducators; child and adolescent development; classroom and behavior management, and instructional strategies to improve student learning. Text: The Paraprofessional's Guide to the Inclusive Classroom, Doyle, 2nd edition, Paul Brooks Publishing Co.

English Composition (English 101)
This course will help improve writing skills through exposure to the basics of writing, usage, structure, research skills and more. Students will practice writing for a variety of purposes, including personal narratives. Text: The Brief English Handbook: A Guide to Writing, Thinking, Grammar and Research, Edward Dornan, 7th edition, Pearson Publishing.

Introduction to Exceptionalities
This course provides an overview of the education of children and youth with disabilities, including the prevalence, causes and characteristics, of specific disabilities. Text: Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, William Heward, 7th edition. Merrill Prentice Hall.

Supporting Students in Reading and Writing
An overview of the components of early reading and writing, composition and motivation to read and write. Areas covered include: reading readiness, phonics, vocabulary and comprehension. Text: Literacy for the 21st Century, Gail E. Tompkins, 3rd or 4th edition. Merrill Prentice Hall.

Foundations of Mathematics
An overview of mathematics covered in grades K-8 through hands-on inquiry. Topics include: number theory; integers; equations; proportional reasoning, basic concepts of set theory: problem solving, and geometry and probability. Text: Thinking Mathematically, 3rd edition. Robert Blitzer, Pearson, Prentice Hall.

Introduction to Human Communication
Course introduces students to the processes of human communication and their impact on the development of relationships within the school community. Also examined are the rationale for conflict resolution and the development of skills and approaches to effectively deal with conflict. Text: Understanding Human Communication, 9th edition, with Student Success Manual, by Ronald Adler, Oxford University Press.

Human Development in the Educational Context
This course provides an overview of the theories, current research and controversial issues in human development from birth to adolescence. It focuses on the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral development of learners with different abilities and needs. Various aspects of developmental contexts are explored including heredity, culture, community, socioeconomic levels/backgrounds, family and school environment.

Assessing Learning

CD-Based Courses – Virtual Education Software, Inc. (VESi)

Participants work at own pace and have 1 year to complete the course. Materials sent directly from VESi within 3 weeks after registering. Courses sponsored through Concordia College.

Attention Deficit Disorder C097 - This course explores the history of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), currently accepted methods to assess and identify students with the ADD/ADHD, and strategies and medications currently used to treat the disorder. The roles of the teacher, paraeducator, and parent in the referral process for students are also examined. 2 undergraduate credits. C097 – Attention deficit Disorder / CD / 1

Autism & Asperger's Syndrome C098 - This course provides students with a rich understanding of Autism and Asperger's Disorder: characteristics of the disorders, associated learning styles and communication challenges, and currently accepted intervention strategies. The course focuses on understanding the behavior of individuals affected by the disorders and developing effective coping strategies for both the individual and the educator. This course provides relevant information for educators, paraeducators, and parents. 2 undergraduate credits. CO98 – Autism & Asperger's Syndrome / CD / 1

Behavior is Language C091 - This course offers a fresh perspective on student behavior and strategies that facilitate positive student change. Within the developmental context of the course, participants explore the messages students are sending through the "language" of their behavior. Techniques and intervention strategies appropriate to the behavior-language of students are emphasized, with the goals of reducing power struggles and increasing student cooperation. 3 undergraduate credits. CO91 – Behavior is Language / CD /1

Child Abuse C099 - This course assists paraeducators in identifying and effectively working with students affected by child abuse and/or neglect. Participants learn to recognize the signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or physical and emotional neglect in students and examine characteristics of families of abused or neglected children. Emphasis is placed on the specific learning needs of abused or neglected children and how to meet those needs in the general education classroom. Creating successful relationships with other teachers, parents and community agencies is also emphasized. 2 undergraduate credits. CO99 – Child Abuse / CD / 1

To request a workshop, please complete a Workshop Request Form.