STATE NEWS
Paraeducator Conference
Paraeducator Conference up nearly 1,000 attendees
Paraeducators have for years represented the largest of any job classification in CSEA at 35.5 percent, nearly 74,000 members. Being such a core segment of the member base, more than 2,3000 members attended CSEA’s 24th annual and first ever virtual Paraeducator Conference March 3-5, almost 1,000 more than in previous years.
The conference was also open to any remote learner in the nation through a special invitation to CSEA coalition union brothers and sisters, which saw attendees from North Dakota, Oregon, Washington and Minnesota.
Attendees were able to enjoy the advantages of the virtual event: joining from the comfort of their own home; receiving on-demand trainings available during and after conference until April 30; closed captioning, and; unlimited classroom space. Prior years’ in-person space limitations of 400-person conference rooms could not hold the same as they did for the live events, which at times exceeded 1,000 logging on this year.
“I’d like to give a big virtual welcome to all in attendance,” Association President Ben Valdepeña said during the opening ceremonies. “…I know firsthand the importance of paraeducators and appreciate your work. … I want you to know that if nothing else good has come from this pandemic, it has certainly put a spotlight on the importance of paraeducators to lawmakers, decisionmakers and the public.”
A review released by Annenberg Brown University’s EdWorkingPapers titled "The Impressive Effects of Tutoring on PreK-12 Learning” quantifies the critical role paraeducators play in addressing what they call the COVID-19 slide and concluded that there is no more effective tool to addressing learning loss than paraeducators.
“CSEA is committed to your professional growth and this conference is one of the things the association does to nurture your knowledge and skills,” Valdepeña said.
Registration reopened
By popular demand, CSEA has reopened registration so even more of our members have access to over 40 on-demand trainings, videos and SLACK networking channels through April 30. This includes recordings of all the live sessions that were featured March 3-5.
Registration is $75 per person and can be made by credit card through April 23.
Attendees share their experiences of the 24th Annual Paraeducator Conference
Paraeducator Conference workshops and live trainings
There were 45 different workshops and live trainings, more than CSEA has ever offered in person, including:
- Technology (i.e., Google, Apple, Microsoft, Zoom and Canvas workshops and webinars)
- Teaching in a virtual environment (i.e., Evidence Based Supports During Distance Learning for Students with Autism); and
- Inclusiveness (Creating a Welcoming Environment for LGBTQ+ Youth)
Paraeducator Conference workshops and live trainings
There were 45 different workshops and live trainings, more than CSEA has ever offered in person, including:
- Technology (i.e., Google, Apple, Microsoft, Zoom and Canvas workshops and webinars)
- Teaching in a virtual environment (i.e., Evidence Based Supports During Distance Learning for Students with Autism); and
- Inclusiveness (Creating a Welcoming Environment for LGBTQ+ Youth)
These were part of the tracks, which included:
- Autism instruction
- Health and wellness
- Stress management
- Student instruction
- Virtual learning
- Student wellness
- CSEA member benefits trainings
- Conference resources
- Committee booths; and
- Exhibitor area-member benefits
The world seems to be moving at lightning speed technology-wise in this pandemic environment, so the tech classes gave paraeducators the knowledge and confidence to bring their skills back to the classroom.
“I’m proud to say that doing virtual has not meant compromising on the quality of presenters, content or subject areas” said Dale Sorenson, Paraeducator Conference Committee Chair, Area F Director and special educator para from Silver Valley Chapter 374.
Keynote speaker Jonathan Mooney, a neurodiverse individual who didn’t learn to read until he was 12, inspired many members with his stories of overcoming challenges with help from educators. He is now a successful author, activist and entrepreneur. Mooney shared what it takes to help students build a more positive learning identity, weaving in his own experience of what it was like being a child who didn’t think he could learn.
“The only reality is there is no normal learning,” Mooney said. “We need to fight every day for an approach that works for all kids.”
Game Night was well attended by 260 people. Attendees networked on the SLACK app, giving them an opportunity to share, check in and help each other. The committee also raffled 20 cash prizes of $500 each.
During opening ceremonies, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond praised CSEA members for their hard work, especially in these trying times.
“We are so grateful for what you do for our six million students,” he said. “We look forward to our work together to offset the learning gaps that have been exacerbated during the pandemic. And once again, we know classified staff play such an important role in supporting our students, as tutors, as mentors, as coaches, as aides working with the entire educational team to help our students. Thanks again for what you do for our 6.2 million students.”
