Cortes is a paraeducator in a self-contained mental-health classroom at Robert Frost Elementary in West Valley City. He was recently named an Outstanding Paraeducator at the 13th Annual Paraeducator Conference, sponsored by the Utah State Office of Education.

Cortes works with students who have mental-health diagnoses including ADHD, oppositional defiance and Asperger's syndrome.

It's the variety of his students' abilities and disabilities, that, says Cortes, makes him love his job.

"Every day is a surprise," said Cortes. "It's not like stepping into a regular classroom where you have kids who will just sit down and listen."

Cortes said a key component to working with his students is developing a relationship with them and recognizing the cause of their behavioral outbursts.

"The kids may change overnight. They'll behave well one day, then not the next," he said. "You have to know when they're acting different, there's usually something going on."

In the classroom, Cortes is the "extra set of hands" that helps maintain order. He spends one-on-one time, helping students read and working with behavioral problems. He also works with teachers and therapists on student educational plans.

Cortes, who was working on a degree in social work before he began at the school nearly nine years ago, credits his mother with introducing him to children with special needs.

"When I was little, my mom took me to places with kids who were sick or had disabilities," said Cortes. "She told me they have a sickness, but they're just like us and have a hard time in life. I really understand that now."

Susan Pizitz, Cortes' supervisor in the children's behavioral-therapy unit - a program through Valley Mental Health - said Cortes' dedication to student needs is never-ending.

"His role becomes much greater than it may look on paper," said Pizitz. "His presence alone in the room can help calm kids down. He talks with them regarding issues that are restricting their ability to get things done.

"He's very energetic and has a big heart, and I think he really loves what he does," said Pizitz.

Cortes said he was honored, and surprised, to learn he'd won the award.

"It's nice to be recognized, but I really just love what I do," he said. "Working with these students keeps me on my toes."

tdeans@sltrib.com

Paraeducators convene in Ogden

Hundreds of paraeducators from Utah gathered late last week at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center for the 13th annual Utah Paraeducator Conference.

These specialists work with teachers and district personnel, and are often the "extra set of hands" in classrooms. Many paraeducators work with students who have mental, physical or social disabilities, including behavioral problems, Down's syndrome and Asperger's syndrome.

At the two-day conference, they explored such subjects as bullying, poverty and gangs. There are more than 8,000 paraeducators working in Utah schools, and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. declared this week, Nov. 12-16, as Utah's Paraeducators in Education Week.

Conference workshops included effective reading strategies, having difficult conversations, math skills and information on the No Child Left Behind Act and how it applies to paraeducators.

Although paraeducators don't need a teaching certificate, they must complete two years at an institution of higher learning, earn an associate's degree or meet a rigorous standard of experience in teaching reading, writing and math.

Paraeducators also must annually complete continuing education classes.

Those working with students who have physical disabilities often receive training in dealing with breathing tubes, seizures, medication administration and behavioral management.

Most Memorable Teacher

Most people have at least one teacher who stands out in their memories. It could be the teacher who used love and understanding to encourage students, or the teacher who used tough love and consequences in the classroom.

Interested to know what impact teachers have had on local leaders?

Each week the Class Act page will feature one community leader's memory of a favorite teacher.

This week's Most Memorable Teacher quote comes from Father Terry Moore, pastor at the Skaggs Catholic Center, who has fond memories of primary school Principal Thomas Flynn.

"I grew up as one of six children in a farming community in Ireland in the 1940s. The expectation was that I would take some local job related to farming," remembers Moore. "Mr. Flynn encouraged my parents to send me to liberal-arts secondary school, where I learned Latin and the classics. Without Mr. Flynn's encouragement and attention to me, I would never have discovered the exciting new world beyond my hometown."