Not a Pusher, But a Partner: One Para's Journey in Special Education

Let us know what's up

Enter the world of special education through the eyes of Jenny Jacks. Her twelve years at a small private preschool, followed by six years as a para in various public school settings, have given her unique insights into supporting diverse learners. With warmth and practical wisdom, Jenny reveals how the strategies that work best are rarely one-size-fits-all but must instead be tailored to each child's specific needs.

From simple modifications like providing lined paper for students with spatial challenges to understanding when a child just needs space to process emotions, Jenny shares the approaches that have helped her students thrive. Her practical wisdom resonates whether you're working with identified students with IEPs or children who simply need extra support to succeed.

What stands out most is Jenny's philosophy on building trust through consistency and approaching challenges with a servant's heart. "If it's not disruptive or destructive, does it need to be addressed in the moment?" she asks, challenging listeners to consider whether immediate intervention is always necessary. This question alone transforms how we might respond to students experiencing emotional dysregulation.

Jenny's collaborative approach with classroom teachers demonstrates how paraprofessionals can be most effective by maintaining open communication, asking for feedback, and putting the student's needs at the center of every decision. Her willingness to reach out to occupational therapists, former teachers, and specialists shows her commitment to finding solutions that work.

The conversation culminates with a powerful message about purpose in education: "If you're not there to help students succeed, why are you there?" It reminds us that behind every effective intervention is genuine care for students' well-being and future success.

Whether you're a teacher, paraprofessional, parent, or administrator, this episode offers valuable insights into supporting students with diverse needs through patience, individualized strategies, and what Jenny beautifully describes as teaching with a servant's heart. Listen and discover how "regulation before expectation" can transform your approach to supporting all learners.

Support the show