First-grade ECAT aide praises small-school atmosphere in meeting remarks

A first-grade ECAT aide recorded in the meeting transcript said she is pursuing an early childhood development certification and is now able to teach one-on-one and run small-group centers.

The aide said, "I am a first grade ECAT aid. I used to work in special needs, but I decided I wanna get my early childhood development certification. And so now I am able to do more teaching, working 1 on 1 with our students, and also I can run small group centers." She described the classroom work as emotionally rewarding when students grasp new material: "I love it when I see that light bulb go off and those kids have gotten it. It just melts my heart to see that I was able to get something through to them that they understand and they're gonna be able to take it for the rest of their life."

The aide emphasized the small-school setting and staff support. "It's a small school and I love that because it's like 1 big happy family and the kids are very, ready to learn and they want to learn," she said. She added that she comes in "willing to do anything that I'm asked to do" and that she tries to model a positive attitude for students: "What you see is what you get. I try to be happy at all times wherever I'm at, whatever I'm doing, and that I hope that they can see how much I love my job."

She named a colleague when describing staff support: "Mrs. Wertheimer is absolutely phenomenal. She's a busy, busy girl, but she still takes time for you," and called her teacher "phenomenal" for allowing flexibility in her duties. The aide said the staff at the school are "an amazing staff" and that she is "very appreciative of this honor."

The remarks were recorded in the meeting transcript; the transcript does not specify which agenda section (for example, public comment or employee recognition) contained these remarks, and no motions or votes related to the comments appear in the record.