Beaumont Middle School; social studies paraeducator

"My goal every day is to show students that learning can be fun. If students like school and enjoy learning, their lives will be so much more rewarding.

"We have remarkable teachers at Beaumont, but they have a full spectrum of students with various requirements in the classroom. Each day I assist teachers by working with students who may need more help or more time to better understand a subject. Sometimes I sit with them in class and read passages to them that they may not have understood the first time. Other times, I take a group to the library to work on assignments so they can ask questions without feeling foolish. Often, I write in their agendas so they and their parents will better understand their homework.

"I try to make all students feel they are special and that we want them at school learning and getting the best education possible. They can all succeed, but we may have to work extra hard to help some achieve their goals. I am thankful to work with such good students and caring adults."