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atpe.org
T
hey are tutors,
classroom managers,
computer laboratory
instructors, library monitors,
coaches, translators, medical
providers, bus drivers, and more.
Paraprofessionals (often referred
to as teacher's aides) do not hold
a teaching certifcation, but they
work hand in hand with the teacher,
providing instructional, behavioral,
and physical support. All the best
paraprofessionals share a common
trait—an appreciation for the
importance of teamwork in the
efort to help children succeed.
Ballinger Elementary School
pre-K teacher Melissa Faubion
knows the importance of having
a solid, collegial relationship
with a paraprofessional and says
she wouldn't be as successful
without the paraprofessional
assigned to work by her side for
the past fve years, Mary Lloyd.
Faubion praises Lloyd, calling
her patient, dependable, and
motherly. According to Faubion,
"Mrs. Lloyd knows when to be
frm and expect more, and when
to ease up and allow for the fact
that [the children] are four years
old, or allow for the fact that they
may have some special needs."
She insists that teacher's aides are
invaluable, and educational quality
sufers without them. "Together,
we are able to give students the
extra help they need."
Lloyd plans to one day retire
from Ballinger ISD—the same small
West Texas school district she, her
daughters, and many of her friends
graduated from. After 26 years
working for the school district,
Lloyd knows just about everyone
walking in the school halls. It's
why going to work every
day feels more like a family
gathering than a job for
Lloyd. She doesn't go a
day without a hug from
current and former
students, who she
afectionately refers
to as her "babies."
Although she began
at the district working
For paraprofessional Mary Lloyd,
a day at work is a day with family.
interview and photos by Jean Schlitzkus
spotlight
TEAMWORK