Педагог-ассистент из Невиша восемь лет помогает детям с особыми потребностями и не планирует на пенсию

For Nevis paraprofessional Cathy Neas, her job is one that is rarely the same day to day, but is often fun and always rewarding. “I didn't really know what to expect (when I started),” Neas said. “I'd never done this type of thing before. I worked for over 25 years as an office manager for a major cleaning company in the Denver metro area, and it was totally different. I subbed as a para that first year … and I just love being with the kids.” ADVERTISEMENT Now in her eighth year as a paraprofessional in Nevis, and seventh on the full-time staff, Neas was initially drawn in by the flexibility. It was only after serving in that role she saw its true appeal. “I thought it would be great to have summers off, same with holidays and so forth,” Neas said. “That flexibility is what drew me to it, but then I started working with these kids, and it just changed everything. A lot of them really do need a lot of help, but it is such a reward when you can see that light bulb go on in their heads and they realize ‘I’m actually doing this on my own.’” Expecting the unexpected Typically, Neas starts her work day by getting on a bus to help in picking up special needs students. After that, though there is a routine to her day, it can be far from predictable. “It is always different,” she said. “Typically, you're not going to stay in one grade all day long. Last year, I was in second grade, third grade and fourth grade. … It just all depends on where the need is.” When with her students, Neas believes in a certain level of structure and, above all, respect for the teachers and staff. That said, she likes to make sure her students enjoy themselves in her company. “I love having fun with them – that’s the biggest thing,” Neas said. “I'm the type of person where if you're not going to have fun doing something, then why are you going to do it?” Another aspect of the job for Neas is often recess duty, which she describes as “basically social management.” ADVERTISEMENT “You’re just trying to make sure nobody gets hurt,” she said. “It's not that bad.” Though Neas says the job description of a paraprofessional may be somewhat vast on paper, her main duty is to ensure the students she tends to are cared for and feel that care. “You are really in the classroom so these kids have some support,” Neas said. “Maybe they come in and they've had a rough night or a rough bus ride in. You go from classroom to classroom with them and, depending on the kids you are with, you may have to go with them to their specials – music, PE class and things like that – and make sure everything goes well there and they have that support if they can’t handle what’s going on. Then you can take them out of the room and go for a walk, or just be there for them.” ‘Each day is a new day’ Her toughest challenge in the role comes from the unpredictability of the students, wanting them to enjoy their time in school but knowing that will not always happen. “You always want them to come in happy and ready to go, but that's not a realistic thing,” Neas said. “Each day is a new day. If we had a really terrible breakdown the day before, no one's going to hold that against you. “I can tell you I have been hit and kicked. I’ve had books and chairs thrown at me. I’ve had tables overturned … but you can’t hold that against the kid. That is their way of trying to communicate. You have to stay calm and get them back to where they are calm.” In eight years of working in Nevis, Neas has found methods to keep an upbeat demeanor, and has found as much joy and fun in her role as she tries to bring to her students. ADVERTISEMENT “It is always exciting and fun, for me at least,” Neas said. “You have to have what I call a PMA - a positive mental attitude – because if you don’t, you can be dragged down really quickly.” She also enjoys seeing her former students in the halls, and will often make a silly face or say something to make them smile. “I love when they will come up and give me hugs and stuff like that,” Neas said. “That makes it all worthwhile.” Though she just turned 61, Neas said retirement is not something she has considered – that she “can’t just sit around,” and enjoys the work she does too much. “I love working with these kids, and I love working at Nevis,” Neas said. “I'm planning on staying there as long as they'll have me.”