2015 Olympic ESD Regional Classified Employee of the Year
Rebecca Thomas ~ Emerald Heights Elementary ELD Paraeducator, was honored at the Central Kitsap School District Board Meeting on March 25, 2015.
“When teachers, paras and parents collaborate on a regular basis we can continually monitor what methods are working and which ones are not…” This is a simple concept that is very critical to development and success of ELL student. The 2015 Olympic Educational Service District’s Regional Classified Employee of the Year, Rebecca Thomas, recognizes that this collaboration is vital. “Meeting with all the paras and teachers involved helps me to provide the appropriate materials at the necessary level for the student to succeed.”
Ms. Thomas has been serving at Emerald Heights Elementary School in Central Kitsap School District since 2005, first as a Teacher Assistant, and then as an English Language Development paraeducator. She has been a part of the education community since 1984, when she was an Educational Aid at the Department of Defense School in Sigonella, Italy. Ms. Thomas writes that traveling through Europe during her time there was the beginning of her interest in ELL students.
Her colleagues at Central Kitsap School District are enthusiastic about Ms. Thomas. “Rebecca is a valuable asset to our program because of her expertise in small group instruction, her knowledge of the ESL program, her willingness to help out when needed, her empathy and her understanding of student differences” writes the English Language Development Program Coordinator at Central Kitsap School District, Sarah Nolan. Auriann Roberts, a third grade teacher at Emerald Heights, writes “Becky understands each learner and their need to meet a high level of expectation in and out of the classroom.”
Ms. Thomas is supportive of both school and community. She hosted several foreign exchange students and is active in many organizations within Central Kitsap School District and the community.
The Olympic Educational Service District is proud to have such an outstanding paraeducator as a part of our team. Congratulations, Ms. Thomas!