I trained as a medical assistant right out of high school and used those skills to help put myself through college. Although it was interesting, I decided I wanted a career that I could "grow" into more. I went to San Jose State University for 2 years, then transferred to Arizona State University to finish my Bachelor's Degree in English. I also took ASU's Post-Baccalaureate program for becoming a teacher. I went on to teach 7th grade English and Honors English at Mesquite Jr. High School for 4 1/2 years. My husband took a position with Lockheed Martin in Colorado, so we moved! I taught 1 year at Evergreen High School, but it was a temporary contract, so it ended in May. By then, I had 2 small children, and teaching English well was taking me away from them, so I became a Paraprofessional at their elementary school, Kendallvue. When they became more independent, I decided to go back to school for my Master's to become a librarian, which I felt was a very natural match to my English degree. I worked briefly as a Paraprofessional at Vivian Elementary School in the school's library and with the first and second grade classes. Vivian Elementary has a Center Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. I've been taking ASL classes and use my developing sign language skills to work with the after school ASL Club throughout the school year. I also volunteered more than 3 years at Jefferson County Public Library's Columbine branch. There, I helped coordinate their Paws for Reading program to give kids the opportunity to read with a therapy dog pal! I worked at the JCPL's Belmar branch as a Library Page, and was excited to be learning the skills of the public library system. Now, I've returned to working for Jefferson County Public Schools as a Paraprofessional. My position at Red Rocks Elementary has me teamed with two terrific second grade teachers at a school that has not only an awesome professional staff, but also a wonderfully supportive PTA! I'm already enjoying working with students again and firing up their enthusiasm for learning!