I assist Special Education teachers at Balboa High School in San Francisco, CA. Many of these youth come from difficult circumstances, whether socio-economic, or physical, sometimes both. I help the special education teachers keep the focus in the classroom, and during lunch or break periods, the students, the assigned teacher and I meet and talk informally about whatever issues come up for the kids, whether these are problems in their lives, world issues, or just to socialize. The important thing is to maintain contact with the students.

EDUCATION | I majored in education at University of California, Santa Cruz

HOW TO GET STARTED | Just about any education program at local colleges and universities will give you a very complete picture of the milestones of this kind of work. My best recommendation is to make an appointment to talk with a counselor at any college or university education department. This is the hiring website for California Schools: edjoin.org

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Patience. Empathy. A tough skin.

how I got started | My interest in education began at this time as I tutored students at the extended care program continuing over the summer. As I transitioned into high school I was given the opportunity to further develop my interest and skills in education. I made a significant contribution to my local urban K-8 School and its afterschool program. I adapted to my classroom by addressing these special needs with various teaching styles. From trial and error and communication between fellow tutors I was able to create individualized learning methods for my students with specific learning disabilities. I found that I had good instincts for meeting students' needs.

why this job?| My life experiences that have served as a foundation for this graduate work go back to when I was an adolescent. When I was in elementary school many of the students were from wealthy socio economic backgrounds while I was not. My parents made many sacrifices for me to be able to obtain the best education. At this time it became very obvious that there was a disparity between the haves and have nots students. It was even more obvious when it came to students with special needs.

why I love this job!| 1. Helping students with special needs. 2. The daily challenges; there is no routine. 3. The fact that I have to give it my all, daily.

my typical day| Although I am a paraprofessional in the classroom, I have the responsibility of a classroom teacher. I have my own classroom in which I work extensively one on one with students. During my general education classroom responsibilities I am able to focus on my special education students without making it obvious that they are special education students. I am conscious and sensitive to the levels of self esteem my students have and, on a daily basis, I try to maintain it.

what they are | Working with youth is as challenging as it is rewarding; you take your work home with you, or at least you will for the first few years. After some experience, however, you learn how to meet the challenges, and reap the rewards.

all about growth | Right now, the demand for paraprofessionals in the public sector depends almost wholly on the state budget, but there always seems to be a consistent need for them.

my website|