Robbinsdale Schools Paraprofessional Diane Olson

Paraprofessionals, also known as educational assistants, make up a large part of today's public school education support staff. Patch is recognizing their efforts and all they do by spotlighting participating paraprofessionals from local school districts.

Name: Diane Olson

School: Zachary Lane Elementary School in Plymouth

Why did you become a para for the Robbinsdale School District?

Olson: "I was a substitute teacher in the district and looking for something more stable where I could be in the same place every day and work with the same kids because I like continuity with the kids. I started here 12 years ago and had a friend teaching third grade at the time. I love working with children and wanted to still use my teaching degree."

What do you do as a para?

Olson: "My work has changed over the years. I started out working with one student all day long, usually a child with autism and then I worked in classroom for grades 3-5 on math and reading. For the past couple years I have mainly worked only in fifth grade, one-on-one and in small groups of students on math and reading. Fifth-graders have so much work so I help them with completing assignments, understanding concepts and part of the job is knowing when a student is overwhelmed with everything and you are able to take them out to take a break."

What are some misconceptions people have about paraprofessionals?

Olson: "I haven't found anything like that here. Everyone is so open and great to work with. Sometimes people have looked down at EAs in general because they don't think they have college degrees, but that is most often not the case. I taught for nine years before I became a para. Teachers here are excited to have our help in the classroom."

What are the biggest challenges of your job?

Olson: "For me, the biggest challenge has been working with some of the older kids now with their attitude changes, behavior issues and refusal to do work. I see huge changes with kids and how they deal with things. Also, I now work with 15 kids and so time management can be a challenge for me. Some need different amounts of help and I want to give them all equal time."

Why are paraprofessionals important and needed in education?

Olson: "From my observations today I think teachers need EAs more than they ever did. I had an aide many years ago when teaching, but there is more need today with the number of students in classrooms and behavior and attitude issues. It's good to have an extra set of eyes and body in the room. If we can provide that extra little bit it might be just want a student needs to put them over the edge to more success, especially before they get to middle school."