Virtual Workshop: Collaborating to Support Students on the Spectrum
Collaborating to Support Students on the Spectrum: 5 Things Every Paraprofessional Should Know
An affordable virtual workshop for teacher-para teams!
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3 hours | $69.00
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April 13, 2026 | 10:00AM–1:00PM ET
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Certificate of attendance provided
Who Should Attend:
Ideal for K-12 general and special educators, paraprofessionals, instructional coaches, and related service providers.
Why This Workshop?
Paraprofessionals assigned to general education classrooms are critical members of inclusive schooling teams. Many, however, may have inadequate or incomplete information about autism, inclusion and student support needs. This is true for new staff members, but also for seasoned veterans. It happens not because teachers fail to support their teams, but because there is simply a lot to know about neurodivergence and the research and recommendations for this population is ever-changing.
Supervising and supporting the paraprofessionals is an important responsibility that can feel overwhelming at times—especially for teachers who are supervising more than one or two adults. This workshop is designed to do some of this essential work for and with teachers and their teams.
What You’ll Learn
With Dr. Kluth’s signature warmth, wit, and wisdom, this workshop addresses two questions that can get lost during a busy school year:
- “What do paraprofessionals need to know to ensure autistic students (and others) are successful in inclusive classrooms?”
- “How can teachers share information and provide support on a regular basis?”
You’ll explore recent research in autism and inclusion and highlight classroom ideas that can be implemented immediately. You’ll also learn about several practical tools (e.g., paraprofessional support assessment, meeting menu) that support strong team communication and help students succeed. And you’ll receive a packet of activities and handouts you can use in your classroom right away.
Bring the Whole Team!
This workshop is designed for a collaborative classroom team (a teacher and the paras they work with) to attend together. With one $69.00 registration, your team can attend the workshop together on one device. (Multiple devices will require separate registration for each device.) If you register but your schedule doesn’t allow for live attendance, your team will still be able to watch the recording together until May 11. Team participation will support consistent practices, communication, and meaningful follow-through.
Meet the Presenter
Paula Kluth, Ph.D., Author
Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a university professor and has taught courses on both inclusion and disability studies. Most recently, Paula’s work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms. She also frequently works with families and advocacy groups to support goals related to inclusion. In addition to inclusive education, her professional interests include Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs.
