Spotlight on General School Assistants

General School Assistants, GSAs (formerly known as aides) make an amazing difference in our children’s classroom every day through out the year. Here is a list of how they were helpful to just one class in the last week:

• Sharing about themselves, their identity and their humanity in the virtual setting. This is a way to set examples for students who are struggling with anxiety, nerves and shyness.
• Supporting a positive virtual learning space.
• Supporting students in completing assignments.
• Coaching students in digital conduct that supports their success.
• Personal 1 on 1 and small group support in review of learning.
• Building student and teacher capacity in tech.
• Cheering on and supporting learners and educators.
• Meeting with educators to learn ways to streamline virtual routines in the class.
• Scheduling meetings in support of general learning.
• Sharing information about student SEL and academic behaviors.
• Creating schedule for virtual recess to support student well-being.
• Posting announcements that help students clarify and know about current classroom events.
• Responding to student/teacher need behind the scenes: tech wise and other.