Incredible IAs!

It is so valuable to have the privilege of the ongoing partnership and expertise of administrators, lead teachers, reading coaches, and therapists who are the role models for addressing student challenges and celebrating successes. Being the extra set of eyes for observing student learning as well as managing the many daily tasks of all the moving parts in a classroom community is what makes me feel an important team player in the classroom. Professional trust, individual perspective, and the familiarity of unique teaching and learning styles makes these partnerships strong and meaningful in the Springer community.

What is most refreshing about being an IA? There is never a moment that goes by each day without discovering new academic content, a plan for problem solving, or an effective teaching strategy. We also have the opportunity to build more relationships with leading and assisting groups in the many after-school activities here at Springer. Being an instructional assistant allows constant growth and student-staff rapport built through the many responsibilities that help mold and change young lives.

Being an instructional assistant at Springer requires flexibility, teamwork, patience, and so many more skills to help prepare our students for their future and empower them to be successful beyond our walls. We are often the first faces a student sees in the morning and the last they see when they leave. We are in every one of their classes including specials which makes us the constant through line for them throughout their day. This gives us the added responsibility of building lasting, meaningful relationships with our students that go beyond academic subject areas. At Springer, we serve a population that needs additional support in one way or another, and to be the backbone of that support is the most important thing about being an instructional assistant. 

Every student is different and because we get to see them so frequently and relate to each one individually, we are a fundamental part of working as a team. We bounce ideas off each other to best serve our students in whatever area they may need. These connections are the key to helping every student unlock their potential, allowing us to leverage their knowledge and skills, applying it to real world situations as well as classwork, and setting them up for success in their futures, wherever that may lead!

Guest Bloggers Cathy and Kyle are both instructional assistants in Springer's middle school and have been part of the Springer team for a combined nine years!