Today is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. A paraprofessional – or paraeducator in our schools –collaborates with classroom and special education teachers to make sure to students gets the help they need through instructional support, skill development and other interventions.
We asked SPS administrators and staff to share their gratitude for the more than 550 SPS paraeducators who are dedicated to creating a loving and collaborative learning community where all students belong and thrive.
"Our paraeducators are the heart of Garfield Elementary. Their dedication, patience, and unwavering support make a difference in the lives of our students every single day. They provide encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging that helps our children thrive. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work and the positive impact they have on our school community. Thank you for all you do!” – George Gessler, Principal, Garfield Elementary School
“Longfellow Elementary's paraprofessionals are the unsung heroes of our school community, providing invaluable support to our students. Their dedication and compassion are integral to our school's mission, ensuring every child receives the individualized care and attention they deserve to thrive academically and emotionally.” – Adam Oakley, Principal, Longfellow Elementary School
“The paraeducators at Whitman support our motto of Dream It... Believe It... Achieve It... They are an so important in providing students with access and opportunity to succeed in our community. Would not be able to support students without them modeling high expectations and coaching students to be their best selves.” – Jody Schmidt, Principal, Whitman Elementary School
“As a class, we couldn't make the growth the way we do without the full support of my paraprofessionals – Suzi Bilesky, Paula Stasch, and Laura Lunnen. They are the reason our class grows and runs smoothly. A class is only as strong as the team that runs it!” – Deanna Wilcox, DI (Designed Instruction) Teacher, Balboa Elementary School
“The paras in the DI Classroom at PEP are especially amazing because they advocate fiercely for all of the students and meet each need, even on the toughest days!” – Michelle Thomas, DI Teacher, Peperzak Middle School
“Paraprofessionals are the backbone of my school community. They often know the students best, and wear countless hats. They are so profoundly underpaid for the work they're doing.” – Casey Pilgeram, School Psychologist, Holmes Elementary School and Secondary Transitions
Slideshow: Paraeducator Appreciation Day by Spokane Schools
“My team of paras (Dan, Calvin, Jake and Dakota) are the keys to ensuring our classroom continues to operate smoothly. They are here for the students and make sure that their needs are being met. They communicate well with everyone to make sure we are all on the same page. The team all works together to help our students make progress and be the best that they can be. Most of all, they know how to have fun and make learning fun for all.” – Alyssa Burrus, ABLE (Autism Blended Learning Environment) Teacher, Lewis and Clark High School
“I work with Julie Taylor at Yasuhara Middle School. Julie is an immense asset to our school staff and our students. She shows how much she cares about our students by always showing up for them, and always showing up for the teachers. She volunteers to help me with my math intervention groups, even! Thank you, Julie, it is an honor to work with you!” – Gina Presley, Resource Teacher, Yasuhara Middle School
“Bill and Sara are AMAZING and go above and beyond every day to meet our students needs!” – Misty Kim, BI (Behavior Intervention) Teacher, Ferris High School
“Our paraeducators are the heart of Roosevelt Elementary. They work hard, are dedicated and positive, and our school simply couldn’t succeed without them.” – Ann Mires, Office Manager, Roosevelt Elementary School
“Our paras are eternally patient, they make the world around Linwood a better place. The positive energy our paras provide makes our students beam and be joyful.” – Tricia Gessele, Principal, Linwood Elementary School
“There are so many wonderful things to share about my classroom paras, Rhonda and Judy.
Their exceptional hard work and unwavering dedication to our special needs students are beyond words. They both work tirelessly to create a supportive, nurturing environment that makes a profound difference in the lives of our students, going above and beyond every single day.
Rhonda, your attention to detail and incredible patience are unmatched. You consistently find creative ways to connect with each student, helping them achieve their very best. Judy, your kindness and compassion create an atmosphere of trust and understanding that fosters growth and confidence in our students.
“The impact they have on these students is truly immeasurable. I am so incredibly grateful to work alongside them each day. Their work is invaluable, and this department could not run without their unwavering effort and resilience.” – Stephanie Robinette, DI Teacher, Rogers High School
“The paraprofessionals at Lincoln Heights have a heart for not only the work of serving students but also an authentic commitment to the Lincoln Heights community. They set the stage for what it looks like to fully invest in our students with a full heart, high expectations and belief in every student becoming their best self.” – Alyson Chamberlin, Principal Assistant, Lincoln Heights Elementary School
“Para help make the world go round. I have taught about the elementary level and the secondary level, and I don't want to know a life without paras.” – Ricardo Perez, Special Education Teacher, Spokane Garry Middle School
“I work with Marisa Kelley and Jayden Lenhartzen and they are incredible human beings. They put deep care into their work and are outstanding daily. I wouldn't be anywhere without my amazing paras!! They are what makes my team so special!” – Jessica O’Reilly, DI Education Teacher, Holmes Elementary School
“Our Paraprofessionals are invaluable in the classroom. They work with our most at risk students when time is tight and teachers are stretched to make sure every student gets the support they need. Para support is vital to our program and student success. We love our paras!” – Staff, Sacajawea Middle School