make a difference. They work with students who require additional support with special needs, behaviours, ELL (English Language Learning), and academics. Typically, EAs work in a classroom setting and are one-on-one with a child. However, EAs are not limited to the classroom. Graduates of Education Assistant program are prepared for employment in public schools, private schools, after-school programs, childcare centres, community or youth drop-in centres, residential settings, parks and recreation programs, and other services where educational programming is offered. Additionally, many of our grads support adults with disabilities.
An unforgettable moment
Kerry Ogilvy is an Education Assistant and a Stenberg grad who feels lucky to work with children with exceptionalities. As she puts it, 鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to work with these children. You make a difference in the life of a child. I love it.鈥�
A moment that stands out in her memory was Kerry鈥檚 first long-term placement where she supported a young girl with selective mutism. 鈥淪he doesn鈥檛 speak at school, not a word.鈥�
Kerry started spending her lunch break with this student and fondly recalls, 鈥淪he came one Wednesday and was beaming! She had brand new Disney Princess lunch containers and wanted me to name the princesses. She pointed at the first one and I excitedly said, 鈥榊es, that鈥檚 Ariel! Don鈥檛 you love Ariel?鈥欌�� Kerry鈥檚 little friend nodded and smiled and pointed at the next princess. Kerry happily affirmed, 鈥淵es, that鈥檚 Belle. Isn鈥檛 Beauty and the Beast a great movie?鈥� It went on like this. But when Kerry鈥檚 student pointed to the last princess, Kerry drew a blank.
Kerry apologized profusely, unable to recall the name. When sharing this story, it鈥檚 clear how much it means to Kerry. She pauses, remembering the next life changing moment, 鈥淚n this tiny voice, my student whispered, 鈥楻apunzel鈥�. That was the first word she spoke at school. She trusted me enough to say that word, her first word at school, and it was Rapunzel.鈥�
Today, one of Kerry鈥檚 most prized possessions is Mrs. O鈥檚 Princess Book. It鈥檚 a paper booklet handmade for her by this student, who never wanted Mrs. O to forget princess names again. The little girl stayed inside every day at lunch for a week to make the booklet. 鈥淭his was her handiwork. Ariel. Belle. Tiana. And most important of all, Rapunzel. I鈥檒l never forget her name again.鈥�
Moments that matter
If you鈥檙e moved by this story and Kerry鈥檚 experience, consider the career of an Education Assistant and fill your life with moments that matter. To read more about the career, .
