The Refugee Teachers Program, established at the University of Potsdam, Brandenburg, in 2016, represents a successful model for training and integrating individuals with foreign teaching qualifications through an 18-month teaching and language course. Initially created to help meet the demand for teachers in Germany, the Refugee Teachers Program…

This research paper summarises the findings of a small-scale study that explored the experiences of emotional literacy support assistants (ELSAs) and the children with whom they work. Eight ELSAs and seven children were interviewed and a thematic analysis of the transcripts elicited key themes. The findings indicated that the ELSA-child…

This paper describes the mixed methodology evaluation of the Own-Voice Intensive Phonics (OVIP) programme with 33 secondary students with persistent literacy difficulties. The evaluation involved a quasi-experimental evaluation in which 33 students in years 7-9 in four schools used OVIP over an 8 week period and were monitored at three times for…

The youth learning re-engagement program known as the Titans Learning Centre (or TLC) is an approved alternative schooling program, developed in partnership with state education and a local National Rugby League (NRL) club, the 'Titans'. Students typically in Grade Three or Four complete a 10 week program, interacting with professional A grade NRL…

Schools serving communities with high rates of poverty face the profound challenge of meeting the needs of students who are often exposed to significant family and environmental stressors and trauma. Classroom staff are vital members of school communities who often work closely with students with the highest needs, but they are typically not…

This article reports on a teacher education program's preparation of bilingual paraeducators during a period of conflicting educational reform of structured English immersion in Massachusetts. Drawing on nexus analysis of discourses (R. Scollon & S. W. Scollon, 2004), we discuss factors faced by Latino educators. These include competing…

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are being recognized globally for their influential role in realizing the UN Millennium Development Goal of education for all in developing countries. NGOs mostly employ untrained para-educators for grassroots activities. The professional development of these teachers is critical for NGO effectiveness, yet…

This oral history study addressed the problem of under-representation of minority teachers through the voices and perspectives of five African American female paraprofessional teacher aides who entered the teaching profession through participation in the Career Opportunities Program in Erie, Pennsylvania from 1970 through 1974. Two theoretical…

Discusses in a general way the variations in bilingual education programs and explores the roles program assistants can play. Describes the curriculum developed at Palomar College in San Marcos, California, to prepare assistants in bilingual education. (PMP)

The learning module described is designed for bilingual teachers who want to improve skills at training bilingual teacher aides. The product is presented in both English and Spanish. The scope and sequencing of topics in the four modules composing the entire package is outlined. The activities and resources involved in the use of the module are…

Civic-minded people in the National School Volunteer Program's 700 affiliates receive a warm welcome from students and teachers alike. (Editor)

A pilot program using hearing impaired adults as teacher aides in regular class settings was rated highly by cooperating teachers, children, parents, and administrators. This "mainstreaming" approach has expanded to include deaf student teachers. (CL)

This paper presents a report on a special services aide program in Connecticut. The community was the source of the paraprofessional personnel, who were then trained by teachers. By the end of a successful second year, there was a need for a university/school cooperative training program to fill the demand for these personnel. Presented in a…

The article describes a method of improving the instruction provided by learning disabilities classroom teacher aides. Advantages of the self-recording approach are listed. (PHR)

Sheldon Jackson College provides college level training to teacher aides in their home communities. The program includes courses leading to an Associate of Arts in Education degree from the college, the development of bilingual materials and the assessment of interest in developing bilingual programs in the communities served, and on-site career…