Babb wins ParaEducator of the Year Award

By Dena Senner

Congratulations Kelly Babb of Broadus Schools! I am pleased to announce Kelly Babb as the recipient of the Teri Fisk ParaEducator of the Year for CSPD (Comprehenive System of Personnel Development) Region 1. This award is in honor of Teri Fisk, a ParaEducator who supported students and staff alike.

Kelly will be honored and recognized at the 2020 MCEC Conference on Exceptionalities Awards Luncheon in Missoula on February 20, 2020. This award includes a trip to the MCEC conference in Missoula and registration, the conference is located at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Kelly has been described at ones who 'shines the brightest in helping students'. This is what CSPD looks for when choosing a recipient for this award. Kelly is a highly qualified Certified ParaEducator and has attended many hours of professional development to better herself, and impact her students and fellow staff. 'Kelly is dependable, determined, brave, inspiring, and committed.'

Kelly has worked with students in the Broadus schools since 1995 and participates in IEP meetings offering valuable insight on goals and life skills. She works well one on one as well as with groups of students at any age.

A student shared that Kelly is 'dedicated to preparing students for their future. She helped me realize I could be anything I wanted. Kelly has worked with me since 7th grade, I am now a senior planning to attend college to become a veterinarian.'

A parent states: 'I am thankful for her involvement in the lives of our children, she is conscientious of each of their individual needs and meets them where they are. She also pushes them in ways that benefit them.'

Kelly is involved with many areas of the Broadus community, she janitors, is active within the community, attends professional development trainings, serves in her local church, and is a member of the MBI/MTSS team.

It is with great pleasure to honor Kelly Babb with the CSPD Region 1 Teri Fisk Para Educator 2020, Congratulations Kelly Babb and Broadus Schools.

Editor's Note: Broadus School Principal Denise Ternes tells us that Kelly's work currently consists of working with the Special Ed program at the High School, as well as working as a Title I educator at the Elementary, where Kelly helps tutor students to find strategies to improve their performance in areas which they may be struggling.