Some of the most important people in a school are not always the ones standing at the front of the classroom, but the ones who have spent years standing beside the students and teachers who need them most. They are the helping hands, the comforting voices, the familiar faces, and the steady hearts that generations of Bulldogs have come to know and love. For years, these remarkable instructional assistants have poured themselves into our students, often putting others' needs before their own and never asking for recognition in return. Their job titles may say instructional assistant, but their impact reaches far beyond any job description. They are teachers, encouragers, problem-solvers, cheerleaders, and, on some days, the very people who hold everything together. Simply put, Stuart would not be Stuart without them.
In this edition of Stuart Spotlight, we sit down with these beloved ladies to reflect on the years they've shared, the changes they've witnessed, and the love that keeps them coming back to the place so many of us call home.
Let's go back to the beginning. How many years have you worked at Stuart, and what first brought you to our school? What do you remember about those early days?
Teresa- 13 years. I first came as a part-time interventionist.
Gudrun- 29th year working for Cleveland City Schools and 27 years at Stuart. Mr. Goff hired me to be a 3rd grade assistant. Never dreamed I would still be at Stuart doing this work.
Sheila W.- I have had the pleasure of working at Stuart for 21 years. I started as a 2nd grade assistant helping four classrooms with reading groups and other projects.
Shelia F- I came to Stuart 22 years ago when my daughter started Kindergarten. I was an active volunteer - PTO board, room mom, and Girl Scouts Leader. I became an employee about 19 years ago, as a part-time reading interventionist. During that time, we only did reading groups. Twelve years ago, I went full time as a special ed resource assistant, doing classroom inclusion as well as small-group instruction. My background was working with adults and children with special needs. About 7 years ago I changed to general ed to do full time RTI. It was quite a change, but I have loved it. This position has allowed me to do a variety of tasks!
Esther- This is my second year at Stuart. It’s been a great way to battle empty nest for me!
Some might say that education has changed over the years. How has the role of an instructional assistant evolved since you first started? What are some of the biggest differences in your responsibilities, expectations, or daily routines?
Shelia F.- I started with Special Ed. doing inclusion and small reading groups. Groups changed to RTI (I also moved to gen ed). We were given specific curriculum for our targeted student groups. Reading groups were 30 minutes, and RTI is 40 minutes, so I feel like we are almost always rushing between groups. Also, we no longer do groups in the auditorium! That was awful!! We have moved from making lots of copies to growing readers.
Teresa- I have been a Kindergarten assistant, a grade-level assistant, and led reading groups and RTI groups. The last couple of years it has strictly been RTI small groups. So many different curriculums. Progress monitoring weekly and watching students meet goals. Responsibility has increased, but a feeling of accomplishment has too.
You've all worn a lot of different hats! What different roles, classrooms, or grade levels have you worked in throughout your time at Stuart? Is there a particular experience that stands out?
Sheila W.- I have been a 1st and 4th grade assistant. I started our school garden 15 years ago and have been the ‘garden lady’ ever since. There isn’t a grade or classroom that I haven’t subbed in. There have also been times when I have assisted Ms. Bradford and a year when I helped Coach Kiser in PE with some energetic Kindergarteners.
Gudrun- When I started with 3rd grade I was mostly making copies, grading papers, and putting up bulletin boards. As education changed, so did my responsibilities. Reading and RTI groups have been the bulk of the work for the last couple of years. One memory that will never fade is the years when all the assistants were in a secure room and had to bubble all the student information for all the TCAP materials. That was very serious work and it really brought our group together.
You've watched generations of Bulldogs grow up, some of our teachers too. What is one of your favorite memories, funniest moments, or most meaningful experiences with students over the years?
Gudrun- Many years ago we had a very unique student. This person danced and twirled all day long. Observing that student spin around in the cafeteria made me realize that the twirling made the student so happy. That happiness made an impression on me and is a memory I will never forget.
Teresa- My first year there was a 1st grader in my reading group. Reading was not his favortie thing. Over the years at Stuart he was in my group at different times. He worked hard and became a great reader. His family said I had made a big difference for him. It was my pleasure to attend his graduation celebration.
Sheila W- Working with students in the school garden will always be part of my favorite memories. My reading groups have also brought lots of laughs along with some groans. Once we read a book on polar bear adaptations, I asked my students how polar bears adapted to survive. One student replied, ‘ I guess with sweaters and a scarf and hot chocolate.’ I will happily remember outside movie nights, Polar Express Nights, Veterans & Christmas concerts, crafts with food &dancing at Multi-Cultural nights. One of the best things that happens to me now is that almost everywhere I go these days I hear a hesitant “Mrs. Webb” or “were you a teacher?” from former students.
Shelia F- Funniest memories being called Ms. Bradford MULTIPLE times by students! I didn’t correct them! Meaningful memories were watching a student with complex learning needs read his first book! Also, a former student I worked with in several groups, who is now a senior, messaged me at the end of 10th grade that she made a 27 on her practice ACT reading test!! She thanked me for believing in her and pushing her.
Those are some great memories. Some things change, but others stay the same. What is something about Stuart Elementary that has remained special or consistent throughout your years here?
Sheila W- In all my years working at Stuart, a thing that remained true and extremely important to me is the family that we create each year. Teachers and assistants may come and go, but the care, friendship and sense of belonging we share remains constant.I was ill and out of school for almost 4 months; I truly saw this in action. We have fun together, support one another and most importantly want the very best for our students. One thing I treasure is seeing retired paraprofessionals join us for lunch on convocation and in-service days. We laugh, joke, share stories, and remember so many wonderful moments. The bonds we build at Stuart go beyond the walls and years we work together.
Teresa- People here really do love and care for students, individually and as a whole. We all work hard to make them feel important, special, and successful. All adults feel like friends and family.
Shelia F- The love and care!! I started here as a parent volunteer 22 years ago, and an employee 18 years ago. There is so much poured into our children. I see coworkers going above and beyond, either academically or personally. I hear teachers praying over their classes to give the kids what they need. We all try to find ways to strengthen, engage, and encourage our student body, as well as each other!!
Instructional assistants do so much more than people realize. What is something about your job that others might not see or understand? What do you wish people knew about the impact instructional assistants have on students and teachers?
Esther- Instructional assistants nurture children beyond academics: we show them empathy ( and how to show empathy) when they are dealing with tough life situations; we teach them the importance of growing into responsible and mature individuals. We make sure the kids know that we are here to help them, that they are seen and heard, and most of all, they matter, and they are loved! Instructional assistants also support classroom teachers, filling in when they need extra help, substituting in their classrooms, and boosting kids who need extra help.
Shelia F- Flexibility is a requirement for this position!! I think of us as Stuart's pinch hitters. When a teacher is out or leaves unexpectedly, we cover their class. When the sub cancels or the spot cannot be filled, we’re there! We’ve gotten calls to let a teacher run to the bathroom, help with a specific child. Academically speaking, we have specific curriculums that we use for RTI. We also administer close to 800 tests in the first 2 weeks and the last 2 weeks of school!
After all these years, what keeps you coming back? What do you love most about your job, and what continues to motivate you to work with students every day?
Gudrun- Seeing students beam when they recognize their own growth, socially as well as academically- however small it may be- motivates me to be here every day. Celebrating these accomplishments and seeing many of our students return as high school graduates gives me joy. Knowing that I played a small role in their success is fulfilling and very rewarding.
Sheila W- I love children and reading. Reading was a huge part of my childhood and helped me through some extremely hard times in every stage of my life. I want each child who sits at my table to see my reading pleasure and to feel it for themselves. But another big reason I come back is that the people I work with are more than just co-workers; they are friends of the heart. My granddaughter, Willow Rose, is a student now, and I get a paycheck!
Esther- The KIDS! The kids are what will keep me coming back. I love their energy and enthusiasm for life. Working with a great group of Room 6 Sisters is a blast!
When you think about your legacy at Stuart, what matters most? What do you hope students, teachers, and families remember about the difference you've made?
Sheila W- When students and teachers remember me, I hope they will think that I genuinely enjoyed coming to work, loved children, and did my very best. I hope they remember I went above and beyond, was kind, and treated everyone fairly. I hope they remember that I brought fun, laughter, and joy to our days. Most of all, I hope they knew they were important, that I cared about them, and that they were loved.
Teresa- I hope students know they are loved, cared for, and important. I hope they feel encouraged and know they can do hard things. I hope they remember that, along with teaching them reading, I also taught them life skills and Leadworthy traits that help them become adults. I hope they remember learning was fun!
Gudrun- I hope that our Stuart community could see that I believe in our students and try to do my best to help them along the way to their success.
Thank you so much, ladies! Thank you for your time and thank you for being exactly what Stuart needs.