Para: Ms. Cassidy

I’ve been thinking a lot about the direction I want to take this blog in and I realized, especially with the quarantine chaos, that teachers aren’t the only people impacting my students lives. Parents, aids, custodians, secretaries, principals, etc. All of these people interact with my students and can make or break how their day goes. I have had some amazing aids and custodians who have helped my students blend beautifully with the general ed. population. They make them sit with everyone else and keep an eye out for them so I realized I needed to start interviewing anyone at a school who helps students.

This year I had the opportunity to get to know one of the para’s on campus Ms. Cassidy. While I didn’t work with her every day, she is my mom’s aid. I would sub for my Mom now and again and watching Cassidy with the kids was amazing! Her relationships with the students was so fun to see because she knew exactly what they were into and was able to hold long conversations with them about what they were interested in. Even I would get a bit confused sometimes with the animated stuff (I don’t know that much about it). She was also a huge help because there were a few times I was in a pickle and needed an adult’s help but couldn’t leave the classroom, so Cassidy was always my go-to call for a few minutes to help me during super stressful situations.

Here is her interview:

1. What did you want to be when you were little?

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a mom. I played a big role in helping raise my two younger sisters, and I remember being completely enamored of babies, or children younger than I was.

2. Do you have a time with a teacher you will always remember from your time going through school?

My most memorable time with a teacher while I was going through school was when I was in second grade, and our school was hosting a Reptile Show. The guests had set up a big black canopy style tent, and inside was completely black, with the only light being UV black lights. I was terrified. My teacher held my hand and kept me close to her as we walked through the tent/exhibit, and that was the first time I realized I can love and trust my teachers.

3. What do you do at the school and why did you want to do it?

I am a one-on-one paraprofessional for a boy with special needs. If I am being honest, the first time I held a job working with children with special needs, I just needed a job, any job. And now this job has become a part of my identity, a part of myself that helps complete my puzzle. I love being able to show up for my kid (my work kid), and love him. I love building a relationship with him, and showing him he can always trust me to treat him fairly. I love creating stability in his life at school, and am always so grateful that I have such a job that allows me to give my time, energy, and love to kids.

4. What is the best tool or go-to technique you use when helping out students in the classroom or even on the playground?

In my experience working at an elementary school, I have found that the best tools I can be equipped with is SNACKS and to LISTEN! It is AMAZING what you can get kids to accomplish when they are working towards a reward that they really want! A yummy snack! And as for listening, it speaks volumes. It shows the kids that they are valued, and respected. And I have found that when I stopped talking/teaching for a second, and just listened, those more difficult children became a little softer, and easier to teach. THEY started listening, too. Sitting and really listening to these children’s thoughts, fears, or just silly stories, builds rapport with them, and having good rapport with your students will make your job easier and more fulfilling. 

5.How is it working at the same school your son attends?

Working at the school that my son attends is fantastic. I never miss an assembly, I never miss a performance, I get to hug him and see him periodically throughout my day, I’m right there if anything were to happen to him, and getting him to and from school is a breeze. Now, if you were to ask HIM how he liked going to school where his mom worked, I’m not sure you’d be met with the same enthusiasm. 

6.Any advice for a new aid?

Remember, just because you’re not the teacher, doesn’t mean you have any less impact on these children. Model confidence, empathy, and acceptance. Those little eyes ARE watching you, so make sure to model behavior you wish to see your students use.

7. How has it been for you and your family since we have had to stay home?

Since having to stay at home, I have realized just how much I love (and terribly miss) my job. But also, this time at home has given me the opportunity to implement the skills I’ve acquired as an aid, to help continue my son’s at home learning. I have gained more confidence in my ability to teach, and have a newfound aspiration; to one day, hopefully, have my own special education classroom.

8. Do you think anything will change in our realm of education due to this pandemic?

I am uncertain of what this pandemic means for education in the future. All I can hope for is that what comes out of this is all positive, and that EVERYONE has a little more understanding of the amount of work it takes to be an amazing teacher. 

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up, I want to have my own Special Education classroom! Like I said before, as a child, I always wanted to be a mom. What I didn’t know back when I was growing up, was that what I actually wanted to do was LOVE KIDS! I didn’t know that teaching children could have the same fulfilling feeling as being a mother.

10. What is your best and worst memory you’ve ever experienced as a para?

The best memory I have as a para is an emotional one! I had been pulled from working with the student I aid, and was put with a student that needed my help more. I was only with that new student for a week, and it had been the most trying, difficult week of my career. The boy I normally aid was regressing behaviorally because I had been gone, and I found myself missing him (and all of the other children in the classroom) so much, that I would become emotional about it. At the end of the week, I met with a few people at the district, and I was able to return to my normal student. When the SDC teacher told the kids I was coming back, and that I was there to stay, all of the students in her class huddled around me, giving me the biggest group hug! I was flooded with emotion, and the intense feelings of love and happiness exuded from the kids as they embraced me. Now, the worst memory I have as a para, is the same memory. Being pulled away from my student, and seeing him regress and struggle without me was heart wrenching. I felt so much guilt, and the thought that was constantly on my mind was, “I hope he doesn’t think I’ve abandoned him. I hope he stills knows I love him, and I hope he doesn’t blame himself for me having to leave.” 

No matter if the memories are good or bad, my memories as a special education para are ones that I will hold onto for the rest of my life.

Thanks so much Cassidy!

Happy Teaching :)