Liz Kuhn – Paraprofessional, Special Education

Location: Lakeridge Elementary School

Job Description: Liz works primarily with kindergarten-age children who have been identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She supports them throughout their day in the general education, special education and specialist classrooms.

Typical day: At 8:20 a.m. Liz sets-up for the day by ensuring that all support materials are available. At 9 a.m. she greets her special education students in the general education kindergarten class. Liz assists her students through their day, including adaptive music and PE classes, and recess. Liz helps them work towards meeting their goals and objectives, socialize and play games, engage in appropriate conversation, and follow directions from the teacher. Some of this is done by written directions and modifying some work. One of the tools Liz uses is a picture exchange communication system, which gives a visual step-by-step direction for special education kindergartners (see photo at left). Her students also have ‘peer buddies’ from the general education class who help by including these friends at recess in play and in the classroom in games and small group activities. Liz tracks and records progress data for each child she works with. A copy is sent home daily to parents. “I like seeing the progress they make from the beginning of the year to the end,” Liz says. “Watching them grow and become more independent step-by-step is wonderful. They are so excited when they arrive at school! It’s fun to hear what they have been doing after school, such as swim lessons, etc.” She also aids the general education students in the classroom when her special education students are independently engaged in an activity.

Best part of the day: “What makes my day,” says Liz, “is when my kids arrive in the morning smiling and excited. I also enjoy how happy the parents are to see their child’s progress.”

Something people may not know: Liz hails from Omak, Washington. In her younger days she spent her weekends riding dirt bikes, downhill skiing and horse back riding. But after crashing and blowing out her knee, she traded in her dirt bike for a mountain bike. “No more skiing after that, either!” she laughs. Liz was also a hairstylist on Mercer Island throughout most of her 20’s.

Years in district: This is Liz’s seventh year with MISD. As a volunteer in her eldest son’s preschool class, Liz says, “I discovered I enjoyed working with young children and helping them do their best.” After volunteering as a reading helper (Book Bridges), volunteering in the office and in her son’s classes at West Mercer a few years later, she received a call from then-principal Jean Anthony. Would Liz be willing to interview for a special education paraprofessional opening at West Mercer’s inclusive preschool program, working with autistic students as well as typically-developing students? “I told her I had no experience with special education but she said that wouldn’t be a problem. They put me through many ASD training programs. I was very lucky to have some of the best professors at the UW’s Experimental Education Unit, as well as other training in subsequent years.”

Outside interests: Liz has been married to husband Tony for almost 20 years. They have two sons – David, 18 and Jonathan 14, a dog named Coley and two cats named Buster and Boots. Both boys attend Mercer Island schools. The family lives in Bellevue and enjoys trips to the Washington and Oregon coasts and eastern Washington. They have family in Ellensburg and Omak. Liz likes to read, garden, bake, cook for family and friend gatherings and refinish furniture – among other home improvement projects. “Watching the boys in their various sport activities and just having a relaxing weekend is fun!” says Liz.

Tiffany Nelson – Third Grade Teacher

Location: Island Park Elementary

Job Description: Tiffany sees her job as inspiring in her students a love of learning in all its many facets. “There is the academic part,” she explains, “but beyond that there’s the whole ‘child aspect’ – encouraging curiosity about the world around them. Helping them find their role in the environment. Building healthy connections with each other – establishing friendships, and being good, kind people.”

Typical day: “I thrive on routine,” Tiffany says. Her students do too. They can count on a greeting from their teacher as they arrive at 9 a.m. On the white board they will find their first task. Says Tiffany, “I get an idea how my tone for the day will be by connecting with each child in the morning. I try to assess how they’re doing – what’s happening with each one personally.” The morning progresses with a reading session, recess, and math. After lunch the afternoon schedule is flexible. Some days they work on writing, social studies, or science. On Wednesday the children have a rotation cycle, which might mean PE, music, or computer lab where they are currently learning to keyboard.

Best part of the job: “I love the feeling that I am affecting the future by inspiring these kids,” says Tiffany. “I want to help them discover their passions and to work hard so their dreams and goals can be accomplished.” Tiffany commends the Island Park community and the district for job satisfaction, as well. “I work with an amazing third-grade team,” she says. “We also have a great support staff and parents. I know that I can go to anybody for anything, even teachers from the other schools, and they will be willing to share. You don’t find that everywhere. The support here makes it so nice to come to work.”

Something people may not know: Tiffany has a BS in Accountancy, and before becoming a teacher worked as an accountant for ten years. Tiffany’s mother was a schoolteacher and as her retirement drew near, Tiffany spent some time in her classroom and found she liked it. “That was when I realized I wanted to be my mom when I grew up!” Tiffany laughs. “So I went home and told my husband I was giving up accounting and going back to school.”

Years worked in district: This is Tiffany’s sixth year.

Outside interests: Tiffany has been “married forever!” to Ron, her high school sweetheart. Their relationship began at Clayton Valley High School in Concord, California. Relocated to Mercer Island, their family includes two daughters and a golden retriever. Making time for family is a priority for Tiffany. “It sounds a little cheesy,” she confides, “but we have family dinners every night. We like to play games and be silly together, and hang out with friends.” Tiffany also enjoys reading and considers herself an ‘amateur’ knitter. “I can knit scarves – that’s it!”

Patrick Rigby – Teacher 9-12

Location: Crest Learning Center

Job Description: Patrick teaches English and social studies block primarily for 9-10th grade as well as Washington State history and Film Studies.

Typical day: Patrick begins his day with prep periods devoted to faculty consultations or with students studying independently. Independent students at Crest are students who, for whatever reason, can’t make a certain high school class fit in their daily schedules. This method of study is very personalized – a student might email Patrick for lessons and assistance, and meet once a week or more if necessary. Patrick finds the individuality of independent study creatively fulfilling. It allows him to let the student explore different perspectives of a lesson, to focus on an aspect that might have more relevance in the student’s life. From third period on, Patrick teaches two English and social studies blocks, and either Washington State history or Film Studies.

Best part of the job: “Hanging out with the kids,” says Patrick. “We eat lunch and take our breaks with them. This school makes it possible to get to know our students on a personal level. We get to talk to them about life rather than, say, literature!” Growing up on the island and graduating from MIHS through Running Start in 2000, Patrick can relate to where his students are coming from. After earning his undergraduate degree in history and anthropology at the UW, he took two years off to “experience the universe” – surfing, snowboarding and river rafting. “I knew I wanted to work at Crest,” Patrick says. “I like its small size and the personal, guiding philosophies of the school.”

Something people may not know: Patrick is a “religious snowboarder.” From November through May he commutes to Mount Baker near Bellingham every weekend, where he owns a condo and has taught snowboarding since age 16. Patrick’s mother, Karrey, has worked for the district since 1989. She is currently a Special Education paraprofessional at the high school.

Years in the district: This is Patrick’s first year as a Crest teacher. He substitute taught in art and leadership classes at IMS last year.

Outside interests: Patrick plays guitar and banjo (folk, Americana, and blues). In addition to snowboarding, Patrick likes to surf and ski. He is planning a remodel of his Mount Baker condo this summer.