Tracy Michaels: Paraeducator, Special EducationJob Description: Tracy works with Special Ed teacher Nancy Murray in teaching math, reading, writing, behavior and self-regulation skills to about 25 K-5 Special Education students at West Mercer Elementary.
Location: West Mercer Elementary
Typical Day: Tracy’s regular hours are 9 am – 3:30 pm. Her first students (five 4th graders) arrive at 9:30 am. Under teacher Nancy Murray's direction, Tracy works with 2 of the students, while Nancy teaches 3. Each session lasts 30 minutes, and there are 8 sessions each day. They use district curriculum, but also have access to subscription web sites for on-line resources. They do a lot of “pulling and planning” to find the right combination of materials for each child. Nancy Murray is in charge of writing and tracking the Individual Education Plans (IEP) for the students.
Best part of the job: “I love working with the kids and seeing their success at passing the WASL and being able to learn in the regular classroom setting. It is tremendously satisfying for me.”
Years worked in the district: 7 years
Something people may not know: “Every child in the Special Ed program requires one to one instruction in every area we teach.”
Outside interests: Tracy enjoys spending time with her son, Tony who is currently attending the Golf Academy of America, and her 88 year-old grandmother, who is in the process of moving in with her. She loves to read, especially true stories.
