Wyoming Education Association

Spring 2021

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Walk into any elementary school in Wyoming, and you will find great kids being taught by dedicated staff members. Walk into Arp Elementary in Cheyenne, and you will find a truly amazing ESP, Catherine Hamilton. Catherine has been a kindergarten paraeducator for the past 12 years, dividing her time among three kindergarten classes. She works with small groups, helping them with their reading and math skills. Like many ESPs, Catherine goes above and beyond for her students. She has recess duty and lunchroom duty. She is the crosswalk guard, and she serves on the district Social/Emotional Committee and the Wellness Committee. She always has a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. She is always willing to help wherever she can and where she is needed. Catherine's heart is in working with kindergarten students. She loves meeting the students at the beginning of the year and helping to assess where they are academically, and comparing their growth at the end of the year. She feels that one of her most important jobs is to give young students a great experience in school so that they are excited about school each day and for years to come. Catherine excels at meeting students where they are. She truly enjoys the different personalities and learning abilities that each student possesses. Catherine has a great working relationship with the kindergarten teachers in her building. She sets teachers up for success so that they, in turn, can set students up for success. When you talk to the kindergarten teachers, they all rave about Catherine, stating that she has a strong work ethic, is very kind, and is willing to go above and beyond every day. They point out that Catherine takes as many classes as possible to improve her ability to work with students. Most of the classes are on her own time, after a full day at Arp Elementary. A new member of WEA, Catherine joined because she wanted to be a part of something that was about us, ESPs. She feels joining was a good decision, recognizing membership comes with benefits that she never even knew existed. When Catherine is not helping in kindergarten, she enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking our beautiful state with her husband, David, knitting, and playing the piano. Welcome to WEA, Catherine! Spotlight ON ESP By: Christine Fitzgerald Catherine Hamilton at Arp Elementary. 2021. 24

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