Episode 54: Making the Move from Para to Teacher with Jade Gilmore

Have you ever had an amazing paraprofessional who you know, just by watching them work with the students, that they would make an excellent teacher?

In the special ed world, it's likely you've encountered this situation and it's almost like a double edged sword.

On one hand, you are happy that they are taking the leap into a new career and on the other, you're devastated because you won't have them to depend on anymore.

Today’s guest is Jade Gilmore. Jade holds a very special place in my heart and I couldn’t be more excited to have her on the show. Jade started out her teaching career as a paraprofessional in my department and she was AMAZING. She was great with the kids, she was able to monitor and adjust lessons, she was dedicated to her job and the students absolutely loved her. But there came a day when she approached Mendy, Dane and I as her supervisors and asked us if we would support her in completing her degree. And I’m not going to lie...I was so disappointed about losing her as a paraprofessional because she was that good. But on the other hand, she was made for this and anyone who watched her work with kids could see it and so I was also extremely proud of her and we all encouraged her to make it happen.

So I wanted to have her on the show today to talk about what it was like to transition into the role of a classroom teacher after being a paraprofessional. I think this is an important topic for you as a special education teacher to hear because it’s likely it will happen to you one day if it hasn’t already and I want you to understand the process so that you can support your para on their journey to being an educator as well.

Mentioned in the Show...
Special Educator Superpower Quiz

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