Becky Lewis, Paraprofessional — Blossomland Learning Center
When Becky returned to the workforce after having stayed home with her children for many years, she naturally looked to her original field of education. Her teaching license had lapsed during her motherhood hiatus, so she decided to serve as a substitute in her local schools. During this tour of duty, she occasionally worked at Blossomland Learning Center, a unique school for students with impairments and challenges. When a full-time position opened there for a paraprofessional, Becky applied. Although she didn’t receive the post, she continued subbing for another year, often at Blossomland. During that year, she grew to love the place and understand its rhythm and systems. Eventually, the school posted another opening, and Becky was ready. She nailed the interview and grabbed the job.
Blossomland, a non-traditional school, welcomes students between the ages of 3–26, with varying abilities, and physical and cognitive issues. Some classes help students with autism or Asperger syndrome; others work with students facing learning or attention issues. Some students have physical challenges. Blossomland provides a safe, nurturing environment for all.
In Becky’s classroom, the students are principally wheelchair-bound and non-verbal. While the teachers and paraprofessionals are promoting learning through some basic math programs, number activities, and calendar concepts, they are also doing physical care for students. Becky trained with a nurse to learn procedures with feeding tubes, oxygen tanks, and lifts. She changes diapers, suctions mucus, and deals with seizures. Not your typical teachers’ duties, but that’s the daily routine in Becky’s world.
Blossomland provides some super positive opportunities for its students as well. Music therapy brings the students to life, encouraging happy responses. They are able to accomplish some simple hand-over-hand crafts, too. Everyone loves the customized bicycle fitted with harnesses to ensure a safe ride. Specialized equipment and personnel allow students to enjoy freedom of movement in the swimming pool. “Oh, the smiles!” Becky exclaims — her reward for another day on the job.
Becky makes this tough job sound nearly glamorous. Have an interest in this field? Some local schools partner with Blossomland through a co-op program, placing high school students in the office or classrooms. Becky recommends exploring this opportunity via her path — substituting in a special needs school. Nothing will give you the feel for the job like actually doing it for a few days! Teachers in this and similar organizations need a license with a special education endorsement. Paraprofessionals need some college classes or experience with children.
Check out Blossomland Learning Center at www.berrienresa.org/blc
