That’s how Nichole Mason, a second grade teacher at Bush Elementary School, would describe Anna Berry — a paraprofessional, who pushes into her room to work with students.

“We have the privilege of working with her in second grade,” Mason said. “Mrs. Berry facilitates small-group instruction, works with students one-on-one and comes into the classroom to assist with whole group instruction. … We are beyond grateful for her.”

Berry is one of several paraprofessionals who serve the building, its classrooms, and cafeteria and are an invaluable resource and presence in school buildings across Jamestown Public Schools.

“We are so grateful to have such a wonderful team of paraprofessionals here at Bush School,” said Principal Kate Benson. “They have such a large impact on the daily function of our building. They not only supervise students in large groups in the cafeteria, but also play an essential role during small group instruction, working with students to practice various literacy and/or math skills.”

Marianne Covert, a paraprofessional, works on reading skills with a student at Bush Elementary School.

Marianne Covert, a paraprofessional who works with third and fourth grade students, arrived at Bush School in 2019 after working for three years in a middle school setting.

“I came to Bush because I was looking to work in an elementary setting,” said Covert. “I enjoy doing Math and ELA with students in small groups. In ELA, we read stories, work on writing simple sentences, and in Math learn multiplication tables, division, and problem solving. It’s such a rewarding career to help support children in their education.”

Corin Derby joined the Bush family this school year and works across grade levels.

“My favorite part of my job is getting to know the students, and having the opportunity to be a consistent presence that they know and trust,” she said. “I feel this connection most often with the kindergarteners, as I see them frequently in small group instruction and during their lunch. It means the world to me when I am able to make a student’s day even the littlest bit better. I especially love it when they get excited to see me come into the room or ask me later in the day if I’ll see them again that day!”

“Ms. Derby is invaluable during our small group instruction,” said Vicky Connor, a kindergarten teacher who works closely with Derby. “She is able to keep the students engaged and on-task, as she reinforces skills that I have taught in the classroom. She is always willing to assist in any way she can, and she is flexible enough to adjust what she is doing if there is a change in our schedule. If Ms. Derby was interested in getting a second degree, I think she would make an excellent teacher.”

Derby also has a background in communications and public relations — a skill set that has helped her produce the Bush morning announcements.

“I finish out my day by working on Bush School’s morning announcements, which are created by me and posted on the school’s YouTube page,” she said. “The announcements are broadcasted each morning to every class, as a part of the morning routine in most classrooms as they include things like the pledge, school pledge, student and staff birthdays as well as shoutouts to students working hard or caught learning.”

Paraprofessionals like Melissa Blue also are invaluable in special education settings.

“I enjoy working with the students and making a difference in their lives and being a positive role model,” said Blue, who works most closely with Sandi Olson in a 12:1:1 classroom. “Working in Mrs. Olson’s class has been such a wonderful experience. She is a wonderful, caring teacher. The Bush school staff are all wonderful to work with and I truly love my job.”

“Mrs. Blue’s professional and dedicated attitude has had such a positive impact on our group of students,” Olson said. ” Mrs. Blue’s quiet, consistent, and firm approach while working with the students, makes her the perfect fit with our classroom.”

“All students require structure, consistency, and encouragement to be successful — Mrs. Blue provides these with ease,” Olson added. “I could not instruct a group with this much success, without Mrs. Blue’s constant interaction and background knowledge of children. The students and myself are so fortunate to have her help, encouragement, and wonderful attitude this school year.”

JPS is still seeking paraprofessionals for buildings across the district. To learn more, visit jpsny.org/jobs.

“Each day is filled with smiles and making new memories,” Blue noted. “If you love kids and have patience, being a paraprofessional is a job for you. It’s a very rewarding job, knowing at the end of the day you made a difference in a child’s life.”

“Being a paraprofessional is such a rewarding experience, not only in working with students, but in getting to know my coworkers,” added Derby. “I’ve met so many wonderful people at Bush School, and the passion and dedication to teaching that the staff members here exude does not go unnoticed. Being an educator is tough work at times, but there’s not a day that I don’t see us each working hard to change students’ lives. To see that payoff is why I come to work every day; it’s why I knew being a paraprofessional would be the right job for me.”

“Paraprofessionals have a direct impact on student success and our mission to see every child learning every day,” Benson added.