Paraeducator advocates for kids
04/03/2017

Educators in public schools are found in classrooms, cafeterias, offices, bus yards and more – all of these educators build a community public school. ISTA member Kelly Tandy is a paraeducator who spends her day in a special education classroom. 

Educators like Tandy allow public schools, where more than 90 percent of kids attend, to excel in serving students. As a paraeducator, Tandy is, “there for the child, and there for the teacher – whatever she needs.” 

Paraeducators support staff and teachers in helping educate students. She often sees herself as an advocate for the kids. 

“I’m watching out for them,” said Tandy. “We play different roles – caregiver, mother, father, listener, friend and disciplinarian. We play all these different roles for the child that sometimes they don’t get or they need a little extra.” 

In practice, this means that Tandy is very attentive and responsive to kids’ needs. She knows each student well and offers the personal support to allow each to grow. 

Tandy works with students on core math skills by making change, learning new technology on an iPad and jumping into physical education activities with hula hoops spinning and balls flying. Educators like Tandy make a lasting impression on students. Her commitment, dedication and caring is obvious to parents and kids alike. 

Tandy also serves as the co-president of the Greater Clark Paraeducator Association. She works to better the position of paraeducators in her school corporation, which means the corporation can attract more experienced, better prepared paraeducators to serve students.

Visit IChoosePublicSchools.org for more information on public education in Indiana.