Robbinsdale Schools Paraprofessional Diane McDonald

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 McDonald

School: Zachary Lane Elementary School in Plymouth

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

McDonald: "When my kids were in grade school I wanted a part-time job and to be at home and have vacation time with them. We live in Brooklyn Center so I applied to the closest school districts, Robbinsdale and Osseo. I have been with Robbinsdale for 16 years."

What do you do as a para?

McDonald: "I do targeted services, which is an after school program to help with math and reading. I welcome everyone when they come in the door, I help organize community volunteers and match them with teachers, I do attendance, answer phones, manage the interschool mail in mailboxes, order buses and collect money for field trips and collect envelopes for the PTA and others. I also work with a student one-on-one every morning to see how his is doing each day like a mentor. I also provide recess supervision."

What are some misconceptions people have about paraprofessionals?

McDonald: "We’re not educated, but many of us are. Before I did this I worked at a development achievement center with handicap preschoolers, but then a school district took that over and I was laid off so then I did a daycare staying at home with my kids. Here at Zachary Lane, we can go to different training and we all feel included."

What are the biggest challenges of your job?

McDonald: "Sometimes you get the phone ringing while kids are needing your help and parents are asking you something at the same time and I want to always make sure everyone is attended to, but it can be a challenge. While supervising students outside you can have several things happening at the same time too and you want to make sure every child is safe. But I love being out there and getting to know the kids, you hear wonderful stories."

Why are paraprofessionals important and needed in education?

McDonald: "The classrooms today have so many students and teachers are required to do so much, they need a para in the room to help so every child can succeed and we want that. Teachers also need their breaks and planning time and paras help provide that with another set of eyes and helping kids to succeed."