I was enjoying the June 2018 issue of the California Educator when I came across this statement, “It’s a fact: all educators possess superpowers.” It might be your ability to spark students’ imaginations in a single lesson, or the way you make your students feel safe. Some educators are idealists and dreamers, makers and mentors, while others are nurturers, advocates and explorers. Your skills – your superpowers – and the knowledge you impart make a profound impact on our young people. And although one teacher can be influential for a student, we know it takes all of us – education support professionals, teachers, principals, parents and more – to provide the public education our students deserve.
The month of May is when we celebrate education and CTA’s theme for this year is “The League of Extraordinary Educators.” May 9th was California Day of the Teacher. May 22nd is when we celebrate the rest of the village, Education Support Professionals (ESP): para-educators, bus drivers, secretaries, janitors, nurses, etc. We know it takes all of us to provide the public education our students deserve. As Special Education teachers of students with severe disabilities, we rely on para-educators to help us run the classroom. I am blessed to have two para-educators, Mary and Cecilia, who are in a league of their own!
They are the key to my success. They assist with teaching and providing instruction, classroom management, student behaviors, communicating with parents, and keeping the classroom clean. They help with preparing learning materials, charting, paperwork, and so much more. They are an asset to my classroom and a constant source of support. They are also the key to my student’s success.
Mary and Cecilia’s nurturing spirit, love for our students, compassion and concern promotes trust and a classroom environment conducive to learning.
As a special education teacher, I recognize the impact Mary and Cecilia have on my students, my classroom, and myself. They are the eyes and ears of my classroom, and I value our collaborative efforts to provide our students with the best education possible. I cannot imagine being effective in the classroom without their support!
That is why I want to take the time to celebrate May 22nd, CTA’s ESP Day, by sending a special shout out to Mary, Cecilia, and all of the Education Support Professionals who make up “The League of Extraordinary Educators!” Thank you for all you do!!! In answer to the question CTA posed, my superpower is the unwavering belief in possibilities!!! What’s yours?