My first career was in banking, but I got to a point where I knew it too well and I wanted to do something with my life that was more fulfilling. One of my friends, who worked at a local school, told me they had an opening. It was a minimum wage position, but I really wanted to do something that would help children and I decided that I needed to start somewhere.
As a paraeducator, the best part of my job has been the relationships I’ve built with students and their families. At Elmwood Elementary School, where I worked previously, I co-chaired the annual talent show. I got involved in it because I was able to glimpse the talent that the students had when I was in the classroom, and I thought that it needed to be showcased. At Shady Spring, where I am now, I also sponsor the school step squad. I was a member of a step squad when I was in high school, so it’s a passion of mine. It’s a great artistic outlet for the students, and I think it helps create role models in our school as well.
I also created Elmwood’s and Shady Spring’s first-ever Black History Month programs, and I’m currently working on both a Women’s History Month and a Hispanic Heritage Month program at Shady Spring. I thought it was important to create these programs because the students were not seeing enough of themselves in the curriculum. I wanted to supplement the students’ learning so they could find out more about role models that look like them.
I think it’s important for students to have role models and mentors. When I was still at Elmwood, there was some tension between our teachers and students. For all of us to get through the school year, I thought it was important for me to intervene. So, I helped create a student mentoring program called Boys to Men to help teach a group of boys in the school character development. We focused on perseverance and being respectful, and we had honest conversations about behavior and how it affects other people. I think I learned just as much as the students did because it allowed me to see things from their perspectives.
Right now, I’m focused on peer-guided growth for education support professionals (ESPs). In November, I was one of the first two educators in the Baltimore County Public Schools to be named a Superintendent Fellow. One of the perks: it comes with funding to support a passion project of my choosing. I believe it’s important for ESPs to receive the same guidance and mentorship as teachers, so I’ve been developing a program that’s similar to the Peer Assistance and Review Program for teachers. I’m hoping to pilot the program in the coming school year, and then ideally it can serve as a blueprint for use across the country.
It took me a few years to get involved with the union, but I jumped at the opportunity to do so. The union has been very supportive when it comes to letting me have a say in things that impact our office professionals and paraprofessionals. They have also recognized much of my work.
I was incredibly flattered to be named the Maryland State Education Association’s 2021 Education Support Professional of the Year. I was surprised when they showed up to award me the county award, and then the union president came personally to tell me that I won the state award as well. I was very proud to be recognized for my efforts.
