Serving as an Educational Bridge for Young Kids

When Yesenia Robinson was in elementary school, she remembers how important and life changing it was when one of her teachers was able to speak to her mother in Spanish.

"That teacher communicating with my mom allowed her to be more involved in my education and it made me feel more comfortable," Robinson said.

Now, Robinson is doing the same for other young students. After graduating in 2017, Robinson became a paraprofessional at Evelyn I. Morris Early Childhood Center in the Milford School District. There, she helps four teachers with reading and math, and works in the immersion program teaching math in Spanish. She also helps with progress monitoring and behavior support, as well as translating.

"I love helping children achieve their goals," Robinson said. "I've always been passionate about it.

"I've enjoyed seeing my relationships with students grow and see how comfortable they are to come to me now. It's a great reward to see their overall improvement and academic improvement."

Robinson said her classroom management and foundations of literacy classes really helped prepare her for life as a teacher. But, it was her ability to establish and build relationships with other teachers that made the biggest impact.

"The observation hours we completed were key," she said. "I feel like I wouldn't have this job without them."

One of the teachers Robinson spent time observing ended up writing a great letter of recommendation for her when she applied for the job with the Milford School District.

Robinson is the first member of her family to attend and graduate from college, and she plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and would like to become a classroom teacher in the future.