Harbor School’s ASAH Paraprofessional of the Year Nominee

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Kim Lewis, on being nominated for the ASAH Paraprofessional of the Year.

Ms. Kimberly Lewis started her career in special education at the Harbor School in October of 1995, in our program that serves a diverse student population including those with learning disabilities, multiple disabilities, autism and other health impairments.  Over the course of the twenty one years that Kim has been with us, she initially held substitute teacher and teacher assistant positions and then moved into a full time 1:1 teacher assistant and is currently a classroom teacher assistant.  Her role as a teacher assistant includes following schedule / daily lesson plans, supervision of students, maintaining an appropriate classroom environment, assist classroom teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material / skills based on individual student needs, implementing classroom routines and assisting with establishing appropriate behavioral climate in classroom.

“Miss Kim” as she is known by at the Harbor School, has worked hard to develop a mutual respect and rapport with each student, colleague and family member, as she displays a calm and even demeanor and good sense of humor on a daily basis.  Kim supports each student by continued encouragement, fostering independence and for establishing consistent behavioral “no-nonsense” expectations in every situation.  Her support of the certified staff is shown through her strong sense of teamwork, her professional manner and dependability which enables her to easily take over in the absence of the classroom teacher.

Miss Kim has outstanding organizational skills and is a good role model for students in her classroom as well as through the school program, as she involves students in decorating bulletin boards and hallways inspiring a sense of community.  Another school wide activity that Kim has been involved with coordinating and implementing is our “Harbor Hangout” which is held weekly in her classroom and open to all students and staff.  Miss Kim also contributes to the classroom / school environment by fostering a friendly and productive atmosphere through her daily efforts with an ongoing dedication and commitment to the Harbor School Community.

Good Luck to Ms. Kim!  We will find out if she wins at the ASAH Annual Conference in October.

For more information on ASAH click here.