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
Shelley Shaner
BHS - Library
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.
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