2018-2019 MCEC Award Winners

MEET OUR WINNERS

Para of the Year 2019

Eitole Swart is a Paraeducator at Whittier School in Bozeman, Montana. Lisa Yeatts and Catherine Matthews shared they have had the pleasure of working with Etoile in the Special Education Preschool Program in Bozeman for approximately eleven years. They described Etoile as the kind of para who cares passionately about her job and is truly dedicated to the kids she works with. They said, “Etoile goes the extra mile every day to make sure that the students in our classroom are cared for, loved and making progress. She connects with our students’ families, creates a wonderful, humor-filled work environment, and adds so much to our classroom thru her brilliant ideas, tireless work ethic and numerous talents. Eitole is an important member of our “School Family” and we are proud to call her our friend. Etoile’s dedication to our students goes above and beyond typical job requirements, even offering to care for students outside of her regular hours or during the summer when families are in times of need. She is extremely patient and kind, yet challenges students to be the best that they can be. She is one of the hardest working and most dedicated people we know. As a co-worker Etoile is the best. She is an incredibly hard worker, will always stay late to make sure that all of the cleaning and prep is completed, is trustworthy and true to her word and always stays positive. Even when we have a harder day, Etoile takes everything in stride. She is always flexible and is able to go with the flow when there is a change in our schedule, a wonderful talent for our classroom! Then there is Etoile’s “matter of fact” communication style, which sometimes takes people by surprise. Our team finds it one of her most endearing qualities. Everyone always knows what is on her mind, how she feels about things, and we appreciate the fact that she “tells it like it is”…even if it is not a raving review of an activity’s success, or a celebration of our singing abilities (there is A LOT of singing in preschool). Compliments mean a lot more coming from Etoile, because you know that she always provides an honest opinion. Her staff wanted to say, “Thank you, Etoile…you deserve this recognition and celebration so very much! We love you.”

Paraeducator/Teacher Team of the Year 2019

Jessica McDuffie and Daylin Baker have been a Teacher/Para Team in Shield’s Valley for 11 years. Billi Taylor shared, “as educators in a rural community, solutions often require out of the box thinking, creative exploration, and an extended network of support to ensure the instruction of our students is the most meaningful as possible. Jessica McDuffie and Daylin Baker believe and demonstrate their beliefs that all students they work with will find success and it holds true. Each students they work with make gains, the gains and improvements are celebrated by all those invested, and they are lead towards meeting the next goals as designed by their IEP.” Jessica’s personality, rapport and ability to work with colleagues, administration, and especially parents, is respectful, comfortable, receptive, professional, and empathetic. She is a master of her craft. Jessica’s attention to details to provide quality and meaningful education for all of her students leads her and Daylin to carrying out the goals for each student. Daylin’s ability as a Paraeducator to always have a high energy personality, genuine excitement to see her students every single day makes her the ultimate Paraeducator. Through even the most difficult critiques or situations, she holds her head high, doesn’t stray from high quality instructional delivery, and does what is best for her students. Jessica and Daylin are not 9-month employees and never have been. They are lifelong learners who during the school year, and their off months, work together and let their expertise shine. They have fun designing programs to help their students learn during Extended School Year as well. They bring passion and enthusiasm to all realms of their lives, and respectfully advocate for their students.

Yes, I Can! Winner of the Year 2019

Kyle Norman is a senior at Capital High School. Heather Shippen shared if she could look up his name in the dictionary, she has no doubt it would start off with this: “Exceptionally amazing!” Kyle is one of a kind. In her ten years of teaching she honestly has not met any student (with or without a disability) that positively stands out as much as him. Kyle shows up each day with a smiling face, kind words to share, and helpful hands each and every day. Kyle is well rounded and participates positively and respectfully not only in his school, but his community too. Kyle is involved in Special Olympics, Business Professionals of America, PEERS Club, a GreenCorp Volunteer at the Montana Independent Living Project, Montana Behavioral Initiative, and has started a job at a local physical therapy office. He was the Montana Delegate at the Unified Champion School National Conference, a delegate at the Montana Youth Leadership Forum, and a National Delegate representing Special Olympics.  Kyle is a model athlete. Kyle shows characteristics that athletes in all sports should exemplify: commitment, focus, drive, determination, self-confidence, adaptability, being a team player, passion, resiliency, leadership, honesty, and effort. Kyle also holds a cumulative GPA of 3.9. Kyle overcomes any adversity thrown his way in a respectful and dignified manner. As you can see, Kyle is an accomplished and deserving candidate for this award.