Impact Feature Issue on Paraeducators Supporting Students with Disabilities and At-Risk

 My service included teaching literacy, team-building exercises, and pre-kindergarten skills. I served in an inclusive classroom in which one-third of the children had disabilities. I made a big difference with the children. One of the student’s mothers came to me and said that I was a wonderful role model for her daughter who had cerebral palsy....I was able to help [two children with cerebral palsy] with daily living skills, and this helped me grow as a person. I was able to teach them and show them what they needed to learn and what they could achieve....[Through this experience] I gained insight into what I want to pursue in graduate school. I will use my educational award to pursue a masters in Early Intervention Education, working to include children in all kinds of classrooms regardless of where they come from or what level they are at.