Building Rapport with Paraprofessionals and Support Staff

Sarah Fuller, MS CAPE
Oct 28
2 min read

A strong support team makes all the difference.

If you want your Adapted P.E. classes to run smoothly, build rapport with the people who are always by your side—your paraprofessionals and support staff.

These team members are often the bridge between you and the students. They know your students’ triggers, motivators, and strategies—and when they feel empowered and included, they help create the kind of consistent, supportive environment every student needs to thrive.

In this post, I’ll share the key habits and tools I use to build strong, positive relationships with support staff from the very beginning of the school year.

🤝 Why Paraprofessionals Matter in Adapted P.E.

They often work with students all day across multiple environments
They support communication, sensory regulation, and behavior
They help with transitions, safety, and peer interaction
Most importantly—they bring insight, consistency, and care

Your relationship with them directly impacts student success.

💡 Best Practices for Building Rapport

1. Start with a Quick Meet & Greet

At the beginning of the year—or even just before class—take 5 minutes to introduce yourself. Ask:

“What’s one thing I should know about your student?”
“How do you prefer to communicate during class?”
“What do you love most about working with students?”

Showing genuine interest goes a long way.

2. Use a Visual “Roles & Routines” Chart

Make expectations clear by posting a chart that outlines who does what during class (e.g., who supports which student, who manages which station, who helps with transitions).

💡 Tip: This is especially helpful when there are multiple staff or rotating paraprofessionals.

3. Check In Daily

Even if it’s quick, a consistent check-in before or after class helps staff feel valued and gives space for feedback. Use a simple form or shared clipboard where they can note successes, concerns, or student updates.

💡 Tip: Ask what’s working for a specific student. Paraprofessionals often spot patterns or solutions you might not see.

4. Celebrate the Team

Say thank you—often. Share wins and progress updates. If possible, include them in lesson planning conversations or give a shout-out in staff meetings.

💡 Tip: Try a “Team Shout-Out” board in your gym or a shared snack day to boost morale.

📥 Free Resource: Paraeducator Intro Form

Use this printable or digital form to open the door to meaningful communication and feedback.👉 Download the Paraeducator Intro Form

📘 Want More Tools for Team Collaboration?

Inside The Ultimate Adapted P.E. Manual you’ll find editable forms, staff training tools, and lesson planning strategies designed to bring your team together.

🔍 Keywords:

Paraprofessionals, adapted PE team, support staff, inclusive education, classroom collaboration, staff communication, daily check-in, special education teamwork