SEK Interlocal #637

Marie Webb, paraeducator at The RISE Center in Columbus, received her nomination by her supervising teacher, Jane Blackburn. This is Marie’s third year as a paraeducator with SEK Interlocal, and although Jane is a veteran teacher, it is her first year at RISE. Marie has stepped up and supported Jane, and the students who also transferred, make the smoothest transition possible. “Since she was placed in my room in August, Marie has been a professional with supportive ideas, extra time put in, and a willingness to make RISE feel like a home not only for me, but also for the numerous students new to the building.” Kindness, compassion, and love are all words used to describe Marie's interactions with students. Her desire to provide the best services and experiences to students is demonstrated by her modeling and assisting her colleagues that may be new to the program as well. Marie continuously goes above and beyond her duties by " putting in time and effort to keep the classroom running smoothly and continuing to help with the growth of the students not only academically but also socially in their interactions. Marie is a star employee that deserves to be recognized!"

Honored by her nomination, Marie shared that in the three years she has been a paraeducator at The RISE Center, that the joy on a student's face when they get off the bus and coming running for a hug is one of the main reasons she continues to work in her position. "The excitement and love our students show, and knowing at the end of the day that what you are doing is making a difference is truly rewarding. It's not easy, but so worth it."

Spending time with her husband and attending sports activities (gymnastics, softball/baseball, and football) for her three children are a few ways Marie enjoys her time away from work.

Congratulations, Marie. Thank you for sharing your heart with our students.

Westside Elementary Paraeducator, Laura Gamble is honored to be recognized as one of our March Exceptional Staff of the Month. Laura has been with our organization since 2012 and says she “is inspired on a daily basis by the kids she works with.” Laura shared that some of the remarkable things about being in her role is the ability to make connections with the students and watching them grow as a person. “I enjoy encouraging each and every one of the students I work with, pushing them to be better, not only as a student in the classroom, but as an individual as well.”

Laura received her nomination through a combination of general education and special education teachers. Sarah Parsons, Westside Special Education Teacher, said Laura has “a broad capacity to work with a wide range of kids. From kids with challenging behaviors to kids with significant disabilities, and everything in between, she excels in addressing their needs and providing that scaffolded support.” Sarah went on to add that Laura knows when to lean in and help, and when to back up to allow for independence. She is consistent, deliberate, and steady in her approach. Sarah Prince, Westside 5th grade teacher, also spoke on behalf of Laura and the phenomenal job she does within the classroom. “She comes into my classroom, on time, every day. She is happy and is a pleasant person to work with. She does not sit down, but instead is constantly walking around, helping students. Laura encourages and compliments the students to help them feel smart and confident!” Both teachers agree she is a “diamond” and just one shining example among all of the amazing paras they work with at Westside.

Beyond her classroom duties, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and 4-year-old son going to the park, pretend playing Mario, and going on walks. She also enjoys drawing and trying new foods.

Congratulations Laura, we thank you for your continued dedication.

Special Education Teacher, Melinda Taylor feels blessed to be able to do what she loves every day! She is honored to be a recipient of this recognition. Melinda has worn several hats in the field of education. Starting in 1999, Melinda was a substitute for the #506 district for 10 years before finishing her elementary teaching degree and then obtaining her masters in Special Education. She taught for SEK Interlocal for 4 years before relocating to another organization. This school year, she transferred back to Mound Valley and she feels extremely fortunate to be teaching in the same building she went to school from K-8. She feels like she is "finally home".

Connie Baker, Mound Valley paraeducator, nominated Melinda for this recognition. In the nomination letter, Connie speaks on Melinda's "open-door" policy and her quick and efficient responses to questions or concerns the paraeducators may have. "Her support and high expectations for the staff and students has gained the respect of her paraeducators." In the short time Melinda has been at Mound Valley, she has developed a very good working relationship with not only her paraeducators, but the rest of the building staff. To continue to build on relationships with all staff, she has immersed herself in committees as well as developed new school-wide traditions such as an all staff Thanksgiving Dinner. It is apparent that Melinda recognizes the importance of relationships with all partners within a building.

Outside of the classroom, Melinda is currently training her Goldendoodle, Maggie, to be a therapy dog, perhaps in her classroom in the future. She also enjoys completing home improvement projects with her husband, landscaping, and relaxing in her backyard.

Congratulations Melinda! Great work.

Paraeducator, Tarl Rasmussen is described by his supervising teacher, Melinda Feugate as her "right-hand para". When she first joined the teaching staff at The RISE Center last year, Melinda said Tarl was a returning paraeducator to her classroom, and was able to provide her some helpful insight on each of her students and their families. It was apparent that he had worked with each of the students closely, built meaningful relationships, and knew what strategies did and did not work with each of their students. Through his relationships and calming demeanor, Tarl has assisted students that exhibit harmful behaviors, learn to self-regulate and reduce the frequencies of those behaviors. Not only does Tarl do a great job in his assigned classroom, but he is readily available and offers assistant throughout the entire building. Tarl is willing to jump in whenever or wherever he is needed. He can be seen delivering breakfast throughout the building, offering assistance to classrooms that are short staffed, and even organizing community service activities for our programs. Throughout the month of December, Tarl organized a Food Drive between staff and students at the RISE Center. This activity raised over 1100 items for the local community as well as offered the students the opportunity to distribute the goods to nearby giving boxes in the community. "Tarl is a huge asset to the RISE Center". 

When notified of his nomination and asked what brought him to the field of education, Tarl shared that he had become a paraeducator right out of college, but found himself in a management position in retail for 12 years. He felt a tug to get back into education and decided in 2019 that is was time for him to do what he loved, so he joined the staff at The RISE Center. Tarl believes that "his whole life has been a series of lessons preparing him for this position". He loves his students and is proud to teach and advocate for them daily. When Tarl has some free time on his hands, he enjoys reading, working on puzzles, watching sports, hunting and fishing.

Thank you Tarl for following your heart and passion for education and our students.

Marla has been with SEK Interlocal since 2015. She was nominated by Special Education Teacher, Kim Bartelli who shares that Marla "goes above and beyond to support students by making sure they have the supplies they need, shares organization strategies to help students work towards independence, and is always willing to listen when they need someone to share stories or concerns with". Marla is always ready and willing to step up when needed to help support the learning process here at Chetopa and is our students' biggest cheerleader when they accomplish a task. When she retires at the end of this year, her role will be difficult to fill.

Both surprised and honored by her nomination, Marla shared that she originally started in this position because it was close to home and allowed her to be off in the summers with her children. However, over the years she has really "enjoyed working with the students as they grow, learn, and become successful." She believes that every year brings new rewards for her students as well as for herself. Outside of the school setting. Marla enjoys sewing, canning, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Congratulations Marla. We appreciate you!

 Carlie was nominated for this recognition by her Pittsburg Middle School Administrative Team. Due to her hard work and dedication to her students and the Autism Program, they believe Carlie is deserving candidate. Although this is Carlie's first year at PCMS, "she is already making a lasting impact". She has successfully implemented "The Dragon Express" coffee business, where her students work collaboratively to fill and deliver coffee or snacks to the PCMS staff members. This activity allows her students to work on appropriate social interactions, working collaboratively with peers, following directions, and money skills. Carlie is also a big advocate for her program and students. So far this year, she has received two grants for items needed in her classroom to provide more innovating services to her students. PCMS principal, Laura Earl said Carlie is "always striving to find new ways for her students to learn to generalize their IEP goals and further develop their communication, social, and fine motor skills. She is full of ideas and energy. Her students are lucky to have her and we are blessed to have her on our staff".

Honored and grateful for the nomination, Carlie shared that although she has only been a Special Education teacher for five years, her exposure to the field of education began at an early age due to her parents working in the field of education. That early exposure is what Carlie says attributed to "her passion for learning, advocacy, empathy, and respect for students, but specifically for those with disabilities". As a special education teacher, Carlie believes that education is not a "one size fits all" and that she has been given the opportunity to make an impact by creating activities and materials that meet each individuals' needs. She teaches each student from where they are and celebrates the small milestones that come along with their growth. Carlie is "grateful for the opportunity to impact the lives of students with disabilities. Every day she gets the opportunity to learn from them." She truly believes her students make her a better teacher. Outside of teaching, Carlie enjoys spending time with her 3 children, reading, and cooking/baking. Once again we want to congratulate you on this recognition and thank you for being such a positive impact to our students, our organization, and the field of education.

Congratulations to Cathy Reed on her nomination for December Exceptional Staff of the Month. Cathy has been in the teaching profession for 42 years, and when given the news of this recognition, she was taken aback at the thought of being rewarded for something that she loves to do. "I teach because I love kids. I love them all." Not having children of her own, Cathy said she has made each child she has had in class and is associated with otherwise, her own. With her years of experience, Cathy laughs at the fact that some of her colleagues where at one time her students! She truly "loves her job and would not trade it for the world".

Cathy was nominated by two of her colleagues in the Pittsburg High School Special Education Department. In both nominations the words; flexibility, collaboration, and relationships were frequently mentioned. Mary Geier, PHS Gifted Facilitator, states that "Mrs. Reed may be the most kind person in her students' lives. I've walked into her classroom in the mornings before school and it's full of happy students, hanging out in a place where they feel belonging and acceptance." Being a part of a larger department, Cathy understands the importance of collaboration and staff well-being. Cathy can frequently be observed welcoming new staff, encouraging and valuing their input, arranging staff lunches to celebrate birthdays, and even arranging opportunities to get together outside of the school setting. Hannah Davis, PHS Inclusion/Resource, "always enjoys times when the team can collaborate in school and build a fun relationship outside of teaching. I appreciate Cathy's efforts, flexibility, and experience."

Cathy's hobbies outside of teaching are spending time with her husband, Grant, and their cat, doing projects around their house, and traveling. Once again, congratulations! We appreciate your dedication to education, SEK Interlocal #637, and your students.

Jamie Stephenson is honored to have been nominated for December Exceptional Staff of the Month. Jamie has worked for SEK Interlocal #637 for 5 years and she believes becoming a paraeducator was the best decision she's ever made. When asked what inspires her to continue to work in special education, she replied, "It's so rewarding to help provide children with the best opportunities possible to help them grow into who they will become. Working in special education comes with many challenges, but it makes it worth it when you see a child overcome something they have struggled with, knowing what you are doing is truly making a difference."

Jamie was nominated for this recognition by her supervising teacher, Dustin Westbay. Dustin shares that with Jamie's position, she is required to travel to numerous districts and buildings. With factors such as the pandemic, Jamie has "been presented with a lot of different challenges in her every day job. She has not only met these challenges with no hesitation, but she has been willing and eager to help out other Early Childhood classrooms when they are faced with staff shortages." Jamie is continuously contributing to her students' progress by creating new and exciting materials to help keep their interests, but has also contributed to staff documentation by created a new data collection system that she has shared with several teachers. Dustin finishes by saying that "Jamie is very eager and enthusiastic when working with her students."

As a mom of 5, Jamie utilizes her free time to be with her children and husband, Richard. They enjoy traveling and visiting new places as a family. Jamie also enjoys crafting, taking photos, fishing, and enjoying nature. Once again, congratulations Jamie. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our mission.

Roberta (Robi) Fanoele, paraeducator at Highland Elementary in Columbus, has been a paraeducator for SEK Interlocal for 21 years! When asked what inspires her to continue to be a paraeducator and work with our students, she replied, "whether it's a look, a smile, or the sheer joy of understanding; it's those simple things, the small details of the everyday life as a para that has kept me coming back year after year. For me, it's making that genuine connection with our students. It's a humbling experience to be a part of the bigger picture." Highland Elementary Special Education teacher, Lindsay Lloyd, along with general education teachers in the building nominated Robi for this recognition. The common theme among each of these professionals was Robi's kindness, her calming presence when working with students as well as when she is simply present in the classroom, and her devotion to present and past students. 

Sharmon Vaughan, paraeducator at Riverton High School, is currently in her 6th year working for the Interlocal and USD #404 and "does an excellent job of pushing students to do their best." Mrs. Hughes, her supervising teacher at RHS, shared how she's seen so many students rise above expectations due to Sharmon's encouragement and refusal to let them give up. "Students that have gone through their entire educational career feeling they 'could not' or 'would not', discover that they CAN because Mrs. Sharmon believed in them and refused to accept less. The ability to relate, share similar life experiences, and connect with students on an individual basis are additional qualities that make Sharmon stand out. Mrs. Hughes recalls one student in particular that it was "Mrs. Sharmon's stories, advice, understanding, stubbornness, and encouragement that carried him through to graduation in ways I didn't have the connection to."

Middle School Inclusion/Resource Teacher, Josiah Gustafson, who is in his 3rd year of teaching was humbled by this nomination. He believes there are several teachers and staff members just as deserving for this recognition. Josiah initially joined our organization as a paraeducator and a year later completed a program through PSU that allowed him the opportunity to become one of our certified teachers. As a teacher Josiah loves what he does today and believes his own struggles in school have helped him relate to his students present day. " I love what I do today because kids are fun and always find a way to make me laugh." Josiah's nomination came from Shelby Callaway, Girard Elementary Teacher. Shelby shared that Josiah is "an amazing teacher who really connects with his students. He does a great job of tackling whatever issues come his way. He is confident and has really grown into a leader at PCMS." When Josiah is not dedicating himself to his classroom and students, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Hadyn and hunting and fishing outdoors.

"Lakeside Special Education Teacher, Shannon Laidler. Shannon was nominated by Sarah Hall, Crawford County Mental Health Case Manager. Sarah recognizes that Shannon is a model of hard work and heart, and she could only aspire to be more like her. Shannon appreciates the nomination and "hopes to be a teacher that students feel safe with and loved by no matter what, so that they may feel supported to grow, change, feel accepted and evolve no matter what their circumstances."

Pittsburg High School Low Incidence/Autism Paraeducator, Richard Murray. Richard was nominated by Cooper Neil, PHS Band Instructor. Mr. Neil commented that he has "never encountered a paraeducator as dedicated, organized, caring, and communicative as Mr. Murray. He absolutely exemplifies a student-focused mindset." Richard is grateful for his nomination and is "blessed to be able to go to work every day and get to see the world through the eyes of these amazing students."