Winter works in a functional-skills classroom at the school. She said there is no other job she would rather have.

"I don't think I've ever met a kid I couldn't love," Winter said. "I really love what I do and wake up every morning happy to go to work."

Winter's responsibilities include shadowing students in the classroom, where she helps them take notes, or helps them take tests. She also helps teachers with support programs, and teaches students how to prepare for the transition to high school.

"It's always difficult to watch them struggle to learn; I want to jump in and do it for them," she said. "But they must learn on their own."

While it's frustrating for Winter to watch her students struggle, she says seeing their successes is especially rewarding.

"That's what keeps you going," she said.

With the help of Winter, students venture out into the community for activities such as bowling. The outings, according to Winter, not only provide entertainment for the students, but they also teach them how to behave and function in society.

"We talk about money, socialization and how to handle people in the community who may not be tolerant," said Winter. "The bottom line is, we want these kids to succeed."

Principal Steve Davis said Winter is a great asset to the school.

"She's a great part of our faculty, and other teachers look up to her," said Davis. "She does a wonderful job getting other students to help mentor and tutor her students. She has the ability to make these students like all the other students."

Winter said she would like to see society become more tolerant of those with disabilities.

"People need to get over their fear of meeting a special-needs person," she said. "Don't ignore them. Treat them the way you would want to be treated. And if you meet a special-needs person who is struggling, don't be afraid to offer help."

tdeans@sltrib.com

Utah Paraeducator Conference

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 syndrome and Asperger 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, to be 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."