The Echo

Rep. Kowalko has a thoughtful piece in the News Journal Op-Ed today.
Check it out here: Our School Paraprofessionals Deserve Better Wages

At C&E 1st, We wholeheartedly agree. We can only hope that our legislators at-large value our paras as much as we do.  They are critical to many classrooms and programs.  The travesty is these devoted Delaware educators do their job for a pay that puts them below the poverty line. Who would take that job when they can make more at McDonalds?  For the most part, truly dedicated professionals whose desire to give children the support they need to realize success for outweighs the benefits of the job itself. 

My daughter's educational life has been touched by many paras.  She holds a special place in heart for them.  There's a picture of Ms. Rachel and her puppy Daisy in my kitchen.  Another of Ms. Kim and Ms. Fran taped into the collage of family photos on our cabinet doors. She's been fortunate enough to have the same para, Ms. S. for the last three years.  These educators and the love they've shown her have helped her fulfill her potential.  Without them, their instructional help and their emotional support, she would not be the wonderful child that she is today.  Thank You Paras!  I hope the state appreciates you as much as we do!