Hey all,
I have accepted a position as am SNA, its my first time working as one. I have 8 years experience working with children with special needs and my degree is not related to this but I did a postgraduate course related to special needs(but not related to working as an SNA) but as I have not worked as an SNA before I am a little nervous..delighted to get the job and looking forward to it but a little nervous and would love advice to help me do my best as soon as possible.
AS part of my previous roles I have been involved in mainstream inclusion and worked in the class room setting (but there were never other SNA in the rooms at primary level) and I also did work in secondary schools and with other SNAs but as I was not employed by the mainstream schools I was not fully aware of the ins and outs so appreciate any advice. (plus in mainstream the classes are shorter and you only go to the classes the students requires assistance in (for my students they went to some independently) so you would sit offering assistance where needed with them in that short time ) where as in primary school I know it could be different depending on the childs needs.
Part of my role before was really encouraging independence so I know this is very important and think I will be ok on this, but I want to do what I can to build a good relationship with the teacher and therefore ultimately maximise the childs potential to access education in this teachers classroom.
If you are a teacher or an SNA I would love any tips?for teachers?any things SNAs do that you find very helpful, any qualities they have that help? For SNAs, any tips you found helped you when working in the classroom, what additional things you do if the student in your care does not require your attention?Any methods (e.g. record taking etc) or things you didn?t do initially that you have picked up over time that help?
But overall anything you feel is really important for an SNA to know when working in a classrooms setting?
Any advice at all appreciated, look forward to reading replies as I?m sure any tip will help a lot