I've been sitting here reading this thread for a couple days. I've been a para and I've worked in the local school system for 12 yrs. I can't see what the big freaking stink is about. If your friend doesn't want to do this she should just tell the teacher, "sorry I'm not able to do this".

Who cares if she stays 20 minutes a day more? If she and the teacher have an arrangement between themselves that is between them. Why should your principal even be involved? It's not like the teacher is trying to get the district to pay the overtime, she is making a private agreement with someone after she is off the district clock. There are lots of people that stay late at their jobs and don't get paid for it at all. My actual work day is 8-3:15, but I'm normally there closer to 7-4. Do I get paid extra? No, I do it so that I can get my own stuff done before/after the teachers are on campus. My choice.

I think its wonderful that this teacher is offering to pay the woman for her extra time to help her get everything done. It's not unethical in any way. It's not like she's saying, "go to the store and do my grocery shopping for me while you are on the school payroll" THAT would be unethical.

As far as the other paras, its none of their business. She's working her 4 hours and then a little extra, and then being compensated privately. Its pretty much like someone that tutors a student after school. That is a private arrangement between the parties involved. Sometimes it takes place on the school grounds. This really isn't much different.

I think both you and the other paras should back the F off of this teacher. She's not doing anything wrong. If your friend doesn't want to do it, then she shouldn't do it and leave it at that. I'm sure this teacher will find someone who wants to make a couple extra bucks and will help her out without causing a school-wide rift.

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