Meet a Paraprofessional: Kristy Adams

By Kristen Blazsik

Kristy Adams holding her RISE Award

Paraprofessionals play an invaluable role in Ohio’s schools. They support students with disabilities and act as instructional support to classroom teachers.

Kristy Adams, an educational aide at Wickliffe City Schools, is one of Ohio’s two 2021–2022 RISE award finalists. In addition to her exceptional classroom practices, Kristy is a known leader in her school community. From creating a course for students to discuss social issues to assistant coaching the girls soccer team, she has had a lasting impact on her students. Kristy is an excellent example of how Ohio’s educational aides’ dedication to students expands outside of the classroom, with many acting as school and community leaders.

Read more about Kristy’s leadership on the Ohio Association for Public School Employees’ (OAPSE’s) website, and more about the RISE award on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s website.