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Paraprofessionals Make Difference
We received several great responses to the Paraprofessional survey in our September newsletter. Every single story you told me shared one important component – The best paras are the ones who take extra time to get to know their students well.
Paraprofessionals Make Difference: Sandy Bertola
Sandy Bertola’s para knows each individual student’s reading level as well as what skills each student needs to work on. She even looks for extra books that support the concepts being taught in the classroom at various reading levels.
Paraprofessionals Make Difference: Michelle Reed
Michelle Reed sings the praises of her paraprofessional, “My program assistant, Megan Porter, made a huge difference in my classroom and my life. We met a few years ago when she observed in my room. Then she interviewed for a job and got hired as my PA. She was wonderful. She worked well with the kids, decorated the room, helped keep me organized, and even taught her own group. She was truly like having another teacher. She is a wonderful teacher and friend.”
Paraprofessionals Make Difference: Theresa Tapia
Theresa Tapia shared that her husband, Charlie, became her paraprofessional. While there is very little pay involved, Charlie feels rewarded by helping the severely disabled students in her class. He doesn’t do any educational duties but he helps feed, change, lift, and otherwise assist the children. He even went to the school administration with ideas for facilities to care for these children so they wouldn’t feel left out.
Paraprofessionals Make Difference: Karen Hillard
Karen Hillard’s son has Down Syndrome. When speaking about his paraprofessional from Kindergarten through second grade, she says, “Melissa Brickle was chosen as my son’s paraprofessional in Kindergarten. She went above and beyond her job duties to communicate with me and to make Jake’s experience at school a success. Jake had been learning sign language since he was 18 months old and we really wanted someone to continue teaching him signs, as his speech was very difficult to understand and signing made it easier. Melissa knew sign language from her high school years and was eager to help us in increasing Jake’s signing vocabulary. Melissa continued as Jake’s paraprofessional through 2nd grade. She even attended the Inclusion Works conferences with me every year to help better herself for my son and the other children.”
Paraprofessionals Make Difference: Pamela Spann
After being unwillingly moved from first grade to pre-kindergarten after 14 years, Pamela Spann was dreading the change. But she shares, “Gloria Roney saved me. She is the aide for the class I moved into. She unpacked boxes and cleaned for several weeks during the summer on her own time. When the first day of school came, she helped me get everything into place for a safe, inviting classroom for 4 year olds. The first day went great because of her loving help with the children and support for me.”
Paraprofessionals Make Difference: Trisha Johnson
Trisha Johnson raves about her para, Kim Bassett; “Last year was both Kim’s and my first year working as a Para/Teacher respectively. Everything that Kim did was for the students. She formed a special bond between the kids and the teachers that she works with. She is a very hands-on lady and I truly appreciate everything she does at our school. She has a vision to make our Special Education department and our school superior to others. She has touched our students and teachers with a desire to make every student’s educational experience the best. I appreciate Kim Bassett and all of the other Paraprofessionals who support the teachers and students in their schools.”
Paraprofessionals Make Difference: Thank you for sharing your stories!
Each of the paraprofessionals honored here has a unique story, but all of them give so much more of themselves than is required by the job description. Thank you so much to all the paraprofessionals out there. You make our job so much easier!
Do you have a story about how a paraprofessional made a positive difference in your life? Please share below in the comment field.
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