Course Description

Educational technicians (also known as paraeducators) assist classroom teachers and reading/literacy specialists in delivering and reinforcing reading instruction.  This course considers the roles and responsibilities of educational technicians in supporting literacy and teaches the foundational knowledge and best practices required, in order to effectively impact student learning.

Course Objectives

Participants will …

● Understand the roles and responsibilities of an educational technician as it relates to teaching reading instruction within an early childhood classroom.

● Understand the theoretical and evidence-based foundations of early reading instruction.

● Apply instructional approaches, materials, and an integrated, comprehensive curriculum to support student learning within the five pillars of reading instruction.

● Understand the use of a variety of assessment tools and practices that professional educators use to plan and assess the five pillars of reading instruction.

● Collaborate in the creation of a literate environment that fosters reading and language development.

● Recognize and demonstrate the importance of ongoing professional development for educational technicians.

● Assist literacy, reading or general elementary teachers in their teaching of literacy skills to children.

Materials Required

Ashbaker, B. Y., & Morgan, J. (2019). The Paraeducator’s Nifty Guide to Assisting with Early Reading. (Yellow & Blue Cover)

Other resources will be published in Google Classroom as necessary.

To register, click “Registration form” in the menu bar above.