Amanda Chee in the Maple Creek Middle school staff room (above).

1. Education Assistant
2. Assist special needs students in and outside of the classroom
3. Work in the classroom and outside of the classroom with a variety of students of all levels and needs. Specifically, I assist a student in a wheelchair with academics, computers and explorations, and life skills. I assist other students with modified or adapted academic work along with life skills. I’m involved in meetings and conversations about the students with a team of people including teachers, administrators, case managers, therapists and parents.
4. a) I have completed 4 practicums in schools or group homes b) I have my bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care c) I have 7 years of experience in this field. I started with running a group home for severely autistic youth  d) I have a passion for children and youth, many years of experience with children and kids programs.
5. I like when the students are happy and make progress. I like to see them achieve and when they are integrated with other students because it’s beneficial and inclusive and it also teaches the so called ‘typical’ students about the diversity of others.
6. It can be very challenging because part of it is dealing with behaviour. Behaviours can be challenging or it can be hard when a student is communicating but if they can’t vocalize, sometimes it’s hard to understand and both me and the student can become frustrated.
7. I believe that it will be harder to get support for students. As well as, students may not be designated with a certain disability and the EA will be in the classroom to assist a whole variety of students and not specifically be attached to one or two students.