Second Grade Teacher

The decision to pursue becoming an educator was never a question for me. It seems that it has always been the natural path. I was a child who loved going to school and I was lucky enough to have had countless amazing teachers along the way. My teachers inspired a love of reading in me, which I have no choice but to share with others. I find joy in inspiring others to discover the magic of books for both the knowledge that they hold and the joy that they can bring. I have always enjoyed being around children and teachers are lucky to spend their days surrounded by little people with endless curiosity, energy and enthusiasm. There is never a dull day when you’re a teacher. Teaching is a career that I knew would provide me with a sense of fulfillment. Teachers are provided with the opportunity to make positive differences in the lives of their students each day. I could not imagine a career that would be more rewarding than teaching.

Being a great educator requires passion, dedication and the ability to connect with students in meaningful ways. I truly care about each of my students. I take the time to understand their unique challenges and meet them where they are. I consider one of my greatest strengths as a teacher to be my creativity. I believe that learning should be engaging, and I am constantly thinking of new ways to make my lessons more interesting and interactive for my students. I also bring my own love of reading into my classroom. I make sure that when my students leave my room, they can view reading as not just an obligation but as a fun and meaningful experience. Most recently, I have set out to spread a love of reading throughout my school building. In the past year, I have chaired Read Across America events, hosted a Book Swap, created and led our first Family Literacy Night and brought the Scholastic Book Fair back to our school, amongst other initiatives. Most of all, I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of my students and in my school community.

Personal Assistant

There were several factors that influenced me to become a paraprofessional. My mother was a teacher in Haiti and my father immigrated to this country from St. Lucia to pursue further education. My parents taught me to appreciate the value of an education. I was raised to have compassion and care for those in my community. My mother was unable to teach when she emigrated to America because her credentials weren’t recognized. Wanting to stay in the educational field, she became a paraprofessional for several years while attending college at night to requalify as a teacher.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, I attended P.S. 189 Bilingual Center, a groundbreaking school dedicated to bilingual students. It was the first of its kind; all the teachers were from the Caribbean such as Haiti, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. It was a place where language and culture were embraced. Often Bilingual students were placed in special education until the opening of P.S. 189. It wasn’t just a school; it was a community where teachers and paraprofessionals nurtured us as first-generation students. They were invested in our academic success. Both my parents and my experience at school encouraged me to volunteer in Milo, Haiti in helping to provide resources to students there.

Finally, having my own children that needed extra support is what instilled in me a deep understanding and appreciation for students in need of extra support. My son was born with significant hearing loss in one ear. That meant advocating for his needs such as fighting to get him an FM system, providing support, making sure he received resources. I was always advocating for him and reinforcing learning, especially with speech. Having another child with a 504 meant I needed patience and understanding. It instilled in me a deep respect for learning different approaches, which ultimately guided my own path as a paraprofessional and as a teacher.

As a paraprofessional, I work closely with students that need extra support, helping to guide my students through challenges both educational and personal. I collaborate with the teachers to reinforce lessons in math, language arts, etc. I know my job as a paraprofessional contributes to students’ growth because I want them to feel valued which helps with confidence and translates to their overall success as a person and meaningful education. I provide a safe environment by helping them to manage their emotions and give praise and find positive and creative ways like walks, meditation, jokes or different things they like to deal with behavioral issues. I know my work makes a difference when current and pass students are happy to see me and the parents say thank you Ms. Edmund.