Train-the-Trainer: Maximizing the Effectiveness of Paraprofessionals Who Work With Students With Special Needs, Grades K-12

The Bureau of Education & Research (BER), North America's leading provider of professional development for K–12 educators since 1976, presents this Train-the-Trainer programme focused on maximising the effectiveness of paraprofessionals who work with students with special needs across Grades K–12, running 20–22 April 2026. Paraprofessionals play a critical role in supporting students with disabilities, yet they often receive minimal training on how to provide effective academic, behavioural, and social-emotional support. This programme addresses that gap head-on, equipping participants with evidence-based strategies for working alongside paraprofessionals to improve outcomes for students with special needs. Crucially, it uses BER's Train-the-Trainer model — meaning participants leave not just with new knowledge, but with complete facilitator materials, presentation resources, and implementation guides to lead professional learning for paraprofessional teams back at their schools and districts. Topics include clarifying paraprofessional roles and responsibilities, effective communication between teachers and paraprofessionals, strategies for supporting students with diverse learning needs, behaviour management techniques for classroom support staff, and fostering independence rather than dependency in students. Participants can earn State CEUs/Clock Hours or graduate-level PD credits through the University of Massachusetts Global. For special education coordinators, inclusion specialists, and school leaders responsible for paraprofessional teams, this programme offers a practical, scalable approach to building capacity where it matters most — in the daily interactions between support staff and the students they serve.