> What the he!! is a “para-professional”? <
I’ll field that one. In my neck of the woods anyway, a para-professional is a full-time school employee who job it is to assists teachers. In some cases they replace a teacher where a teacher really isn’t necessary.
For example, a hallway monitor would be a para-professional. And so would someone who assists in a special education class. In that latter case, the para would help the kids with routine stuff, like getting their materials organized, etc.
The whole idea of para-professionals is a good one, as they save money for the taxpayers. You don’t need an expensive teacher to monitor a hallway. A para can do the job just as well.
especially if they can effectively use a flame thrower to put down unruly mobs.
Some years ago I had to retrieve my step son from the local high due to a medical issue. I entered amid a din that was indescribable. Checking in with the “resource officer” I was hustled aside as two coppers were leaving with one “student” in restraints. I asked the RO, is this a usual. He said no, today is it relatively quiet! This did not occur in an inner city school but one of our better schools in this state. I thought back 50 years and could not equate school in my era to what passes for school behavior today.
Okay, thanks to all that put me in the know. Lol!