CESA 1 Paraprofessional Institute: Empowering Student Success - August 20, 2026

Join us for the CESA 1 Paraprofessional Institute, a dynamic one-day professional learning experience designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and confidence of paraprofessionals who play an essential role in supporting student success. 

Throughout the day, paraprofessionals will gain practical, classroom-ready strategies that can be implemented immediately to support learners across grade levels. This collaborative event will provide opportunities to build professional expertise, connect with colleagues, and deepen understanding of how paraprofessionals contribute to creating supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environments.

Whether you are new to the role or an experienced paraprofessional, this professional learning day is designed for all paraprofessionals and will provide valuable tools and resources to enhance your impact on student achievement.

By the end of this one-day institute, participants will be able to:

• Understand the responsibilities and professional expectations of the paraprofessional role.
• Explore proactive behavior support strategies that foster positive and productive learning environments.
• Implement evidence-based literacy practices to support students' reading development.
• Examine instructional strategies that build students' mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills.

Audience: Paraprofessionals, educational assistants, and instructional aides

Agenda

• 7:30-8:30 - Check-in and Breakfast 
• 8:30-10:00 - Keynote
• 10:00-10:15 - Break
• 10:15-11:15 - Session 1
• 11:15-11:30 - Break 
• 11:30-12:30 - Session 2
• 12:30-1:15 - Lunch 
• 1:15-3:15 - Session 3
• 3:15-3:30 - Closing Remarks

Cost:

• $220/person 
• OPTIONAL - $25/person/session for add-on e-courses (see below)

Add-On Opportunity! 

Purchase access to up to 4 eCourses to continue your learning at your own pace throughout the 2026-27 school year! Derived from the expertise of Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak of Inclusive Schooling, courses are designed to build the knowledge and skills of paraprofessionals to effectively support students with and without disabilities, while also fostering independence and inclusion. The courses are $25 each and are as follows:

• eCourse Session 1: Going Beyond the Labels
• eCourse Session 2: Helping Kids Become Independent
• eCourse Session 3: Decoding the ABS’s of the IEP
• eCourse Session 4: Dealing with Big Emotions

Important Dates Regarding eCourses

• July 1, 2026 - Registration Opens 
• September 1, 2026 - Courses Open
• Courses close for one week in January for updates and maintenance.
• May 15, 2027 - Registration Closes
• June 30, 2027 - Courses Close

For questions regarding the event content or e-courses, please contact Rhonda Schoonover (email) or Erica Branson (email).