April 2 is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
Join us in recognizing our paraprofessionals' incredible impact on our students, staff, and schools. These dedicated educators provide essential support in classrooms, helping students learn, grow, and succeed every day. Whether assisting with instruction, offering one-on-one support, or creating a welcoming learning environment, their contributions are invaluable. Thank you to our amazing paraprofessionals for your hard work, patience, and commitment to student success! #BETTerTogether
Bettendorf Middle School
Special Education Paraeducators
with their crew
Nikki Rollins, Kathleen VanHorn and Deb Thomas
Amber Briggs
BD/Gen Ed Paraeducator
Neil Armstrong Elementary
"I have been working with kids BD/Gen Ed for almost 20 years. Words can’t express how rewarding it is to see your kiddos succeed & graduate, then come back to see you and thank you for your support. I’m currently in preschool, and these little ones' smiles say it all. I love helping them learn, watching them grow & being there for them when they need a hug on their good days and their bad. I can’t think of a more perfect job than to help mold these kiddos into smart, kind, independent, caring individuals who trust me to keep them safe and make them feel loved. That’s why I do this job & love it. "
Emily Daniels
Special Education Paraeducator
Neil Armstrong Elementary
"My favorite part of being a paraeducator is learning what makes our students laugh and smile! It’s a great feeling to provide a safe space for students of all abilities to show their true colors. (This one is usually telling me to reel it in a bit - clearly she’s had enough of my shenanigans here.)"
Amanda Dunaway
Preschool Paraeducator
Neil Armstrong Elementary
"I've been a preschool Para for 6 years. I've been at Neil Armstrong for almost 4 years. I love coming to work and making relationships with my students that will continue on as they move on to higher grades. I love being a friendly face and support for all the kids in the building. Being a preschool Para I'm one of the first people these kids interact with when they begin school, so I like to make it as positive as possible so they enjoy being at school."
Amy Everding (Ms. Amy)
Paraeducator
GrantWood Elementary
"What I love about being a paraprofessional is being in everyone's corner! I love helping students and teachers alike. Every day is a new adventure!"
Melissa Hart
Paraeducator
Bettendorf Middle School
"The best part about being a paraeducator is the relationships we get to build with our students. Seeing them succeed in the small and big victories is what makes the hard days absolutely worth it!"
Ron Johnson "Mr. Ron"
Special Education Paraeducator & Professional Therapy Dog Handler
Mark Twain Elementary
"For 35 years, I traveled the world as a clown and family entertainer. In 2019, due to life circumstances, family needs, and other factors, I needed a regular job. What could a fellow who only knew entertaining families and children for his entire adult life do and still have his Summer open for performing? I had known Erica Dahlburg for years, and she suggested looking into becoming a Para.
Well, I took her advice...and here we are seven school years later! I didn't want to get a "regular" job, and I didn't! I have a job that makes me feel like I am making a difference in the lives of children...the future of our country and our world. Is being a Special Education Para an easy job? NO!!! It is the hardest job I have ever had! There are days I go home feeling incredibly defeated and not knowing what to do next. There are days I feel like I am a complete failure. But then...on some days...one of my students...one of my kids...has a breakthrough, and everything is MAGIC! What an incredible honor it is to be a part of the Mark Twain family and to be a small part of the incredible education that happens in our school. I work with the finest, most dedicated, most caring staff there is. We are equals in education, regardless of our job title. Working with my students keeps me on my toes, allows me to use the skills I have learned in my 58 years on this earth, and shows me that there are no limits to what my kids can do. Everyone knows that Mr. Ron used to be a clown in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. They all know that I LOVE to have fun and be silly. They also know I am very serious about MTS...Manners, Thinking and learning, and being Safe. Being a Special Education Para allows me to bring out the very best of me - my love of education, having fun, the future of our children, making a difference, etc - each and every day. The icing on the cake: 3 years ago, I also became a Professional Therapy Dog Handler when we got Fletcher!"
Amanda Bledsoe & Hue Newberry
Paraeducators
Paul Norton Elementary
"We enjoy being paraprofessionals because we get to create close bonds with the students that we work with. Every day, we strive to positively impact their lives in one aspect or another! To find personal fulfillment in what we do is something that we will continue to cherish day in and day out!"
Jazmine Rouse
Paraeducator
Herbert Hoover Elementary
"My favorite part of being a para is watching the student grow and thrive every day, and creating connections that will last a lifetime. I am so grateful to learn and grow along side the students and foster an inclusive loving environment! "
Shelley Shaner
Library Paraeducator
Bettendorf High School
"What I love most about being a para is definitely not the pay—let’s just be honest! But I’ve been in this role for 22 years now, and time has truly flown. Everyday I come to work, I really look forward to it. I’ve experienced so many personal milestones while being here, and it’s the people I work with who make it special. The administrators, teachers, custodians, and fellow paras all bring something unique to the table for me. The friendships, the support, and just sharing life with each other is one of the biggest reasons I love my job.
As paras, we’re often the home base for students and the behind-the-scenes backbone for teachers. Especially when it comes to supporting differentiated instruction in the classroom. We do whatever is needed, and the best part is that most of the staff don’t treat us like we’re “just paras.” We’re part of the team, and that respect matters.
But the heart of it all, the reason I’ve stayed for over two decades, is the students. They keep me young and remind me of my purpose every single day. I had always wanted someone to be able to go to when I was in school. So, I want to be that trusted adult student who knows they can come for anything. Whether they need lotion, a piece of candy, help with homework, or someone to walk with them to student services because they’re too anxious to go alone. I always tell them I’ll help however I can or guide them where they need to go.
Making a difference, even in the small moments, and creating relationships is what fuels me. And I truly believe we’re “Better Together” when we realize we are all human and just doing the best we can do for one another."
Sara Sullivan
Preschool Paraeducator
Neil Armstrong Elementary
"As a preschool para, I love witnessing the joy of learning and how each of their personalities differ from one to the other as their own bundle of joy."
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