Bev Mathews
The 2006 Paraeducator of the Year

Bev Mathews received the 2006 Paraeducator of the Year award during the 13th Annual Washington State Paraeducator Conference.  This award goes to an individual who:

  • Has exemplary communication and listening skills
  • Takes initiative
  • Understands his/her role in the school community 
  • Has qualities that sets them apart from other paraeducators
  • Contributes to the school during the work day and beyond
  • Makes a difference in the lives of students
  • Is involved in professional development

Some of Bev’s accomplishments as a paraeducator include:

  • International Trainer for paraeducator.
  • Presenter at the Washington State Paraeducator Conference almost every year.
  • Served on her districts staff development advisory committee.
  • Served on the State Committee that developed the Paraeducator competencies.
  • Served on the State NCLB Advisory committee.
  • Conducted numerous competency and reading classes for her district and the Puget Sound ESD Region.
  • Designed and managed a district mentoring program which is now being offered on-line.
  • Presented several times at the National Paraeducator Conference.
  • She has been a long-standing member of the PSESD Paraeducator Advisory.
  • She has supported many paraeducators in meeting NCLB Para requirements including teaching the prep classes.
  • She developed a paraeducator handbook that is being used for new paraeducators in school district across the State.

“Bev is a phenomenal educator; it has been her life’s work to make a positive impact on the lives of students and colleagues.  Daily, she strives to and succeeds at making every single person she encounters feel important and valued.  Instructionally, Bev is top-notch. No one can deny her instructional expertise and her ability to improve the achievement of our most struggling students.”
            - Excerpt from Bev Mathews Nomination Packet

Congratulations Bev!  Thank you for what you have done for Washington’s students and the paraeducator profession.

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