Introduction
During his or her career, an Educational Assistant (EA) will often work with other professionals to benefit the student. Two of these professionals are the Resource person and the Teacher.
The Resource person can be described as the one in charge of the student's experience in the school. They develop the student's schedule, check in on the student and provide whatever the student may need, including an EA. The Resouce person is the one who directs the Educational Assistant on what the student's goals are and in turn is the person the EA reports relevant information to.
The Teacher plays a key role in the development of an IEP and the process of reaching the student's goals. As such, the Educational Assistant provides input on the plan and assists the Teacher in helping the student reach their goals.
On the surface, these two professionals serve a similar role. Due to this, it is important for the Educational Assistant to identify the appropriate person to approach in a range of situations.
Task
Read the following scenarios and based on the links provided decide if the Educational Assistant (you) should work with the Teacher, the Resource person, or both.
Process
1. The student that you have worked with for the past two years is now sullen and depressed, a drastic change from her normally excited and sunny disposition.
Use these links:
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED099377
2. The newly developed IEP plan is not reaching the needs of the student.
Use these links:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/education/files/teacherroles.pdf
https://www.readingrockets.org/article/iep-team-members
3. You are entering a new classroom with your assigned student and are unaware of what will be expected from the student.
Use these links:
http://www.projectidealonline.org/v/specific-roles-general-educators/
4. In recent weeks you have noticed that the adapted plan for your student is working well and he is thriving in the classroom.
Use these links:
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/whos-on-the-iep-team
5. You are entering a new classroom and are uncertain of what you will assist with.
Use these links:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/education/files/teacherroles.pdf
Evaluation
1. According to Sandra Styer in her article "The Resource Person in Elementary Teacher Education" a Resource person is able to provide specialized knowledge and experience as well as resources for a multitude of situations. As such, they are able to provide assistance and insight on students who have demonstrated a drastic mood change.
2. "The IEP Team" by Lisa Küpper and Jean Kohànek states that there are certain team members involved in the development of an IEP that are required by law to be involved. These members include at least one of the student's special education teachers and one of their regular education teachers. However, the teacher is not the only member included. The Resource Teacher is also included in the process as they inform the Teacher of the student's exceptionalities and are part of the conference regarding student-specific accommodations and modifications (https://www.gov.nl.ca/education/files/teacherroles.pdf).
3. According to "Specific Roles of General Educators" the teacher is in charge of planning and coordinating the curriculum. When entering a new classroom, the Educational Assistant can ask the teacher about any student expectations and any implemented adaptations or modifications to ensure the student's educational success.
4. The Understood Team explains in "Who Is on the IEP Team" that both the Resource person and the Teacher have a role in the development of the student's plan. As such, when you notice that the plan is effective, it may be kind to mention this to the professionals involved as both a form of encouragement and to inform them that, at the moment, no changes are required.
5. "The Roles of Instructional Resource and Classroom/Subject Teachers in Inclusive Schools" provides clear direction on the roles of a Resource person and a Teacher, including where their roles overlap. The Resource person is able to provide direction on the student's exceptionalities and the teacher takes the lead concerning adaptations and modifications of the curriculum. As such, both provide the EA with direction as to how they can assist to benefit the student.
Conclusion
While the Teacher monitors the progress of a student in the classroom, aiding him or her to reach the goals set, the Resource person provides what the student needs in order to facilitate the learning experience. The Educational Assistant will work closely with both of these professionals to ensure that the student thrives in their education, a key part of which is communication. If the Educational Assistant approaches the wrong professional it may cause a delay in the student receiving the assistance he or she needs. As such, it is important to keep the above information in mind in order to understand the key role differences between the two professionals.