Lisa Cox Named 2009 Teacher Assistant of the Year
April 27, 2009 - Lisa Cox, a teacher assistant for the Cross Categorical Resource special education classroom at Swift Creek Elementary, was named the 2009 Teacher Assistant of the Year by the Wake County Teacher Assistants Association during a banquet held at the McKimmon Center on April 27.
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Lisa Cox |
Cox was selected from 10 finalists for the honor and was presented with a certificate, an engraved plate, flowers and a cash prize.
Cox, who previously owned and operated an interior design business, began her career with the Wake County Public School System as a substitute in 2004 after serving as a volunteer in our schools for many years. After working as a substitute, she was hooked and decided to give up her interior design business in order work for the school system on a full-time basis.
"I left behind a 20-year-old interior design business to dedicate my life to helping children, especially those with special needs," she said. "It was a very difficult decision and required the support of my children and a change in their lifestyle. I have always felt drawn to children and volunteered in the school system before mine were even old enough to attend school."
Cox began her new career at Swift Creek as a one-on-one teacher assistant for a visually impaired student before accepting her current position as the teacher assistant for the school's Cross Categorical Resource special education classroom this past year.
As a teacher assistant, Cox said she takes an active role in the day-to-day instruction of the children. In addition, she said she also changes diapers, feeds children who can't manage on their own, wipes noses and tears and "loves the kids as if my own." She also chairs the school's hospitality committee, serves as a mentor for at-risk children, and helps with the car pool and numerous other duties before and after school.
"Ms. Cox understands the needs of her special education students and realizes that many need more nurturing than just the contact with her and the teacher," said Swift Creek Principal Bob Umstead. "She is truly one of those people who is willing to help whenever she can. She is the ultimate team player who puts the needs of students and staff in front of her own needs."
Cox said working with children is truly her life's calling.
"As a teacher assistant, I want to advocate for teachers, the parents, and most of all, the students. The children deserve to get all that life has to offer them," she said. "My goal in life is to help children realize that stumbling blocks are merely stones that need to be overturned and that with the right support system and strong learning foundation, they can be anything and anyone and, above all, accomplish everything they set out to do. If I help just one child realize an ounce of their potential, then I will have accomplished a dream."
Teacher Assistant of the Year Finalists Recognized
Each year, the teacher assistants at each school vote on a teacher assistant that goes above and beyond their daily duties to be named the teacher assistant of the year for their school. These individuals are then invited to submit a portfolio to the Teacher Assistant of the Year Committee for consideration for the district award. This year, the committee received 45 portfolios and selected 10 finalists based on their portfolios. The committee members then interviewed and observed the 10 finalists in the classroom before selecting one to be honored as the 2009 Wake County Teacher Assistant of the Year.
The Teacher Assistant of the Year finalists include:
Toni Alford, Wilburn Elementary
Kathleen Bennett, Cary Elementary
Joy Fox, Creech Road Elementary
Amy Harper, North Forest Pines Elementary
Cynthia Lape, Hodge Road Elementary
Kimberly Latta, Leesville Road Elementary
Mary Robinson, Forestville Road Elementary
Tommy Tobin, Timber Drive Elementary
Shasta Williams-Turner, East Garner Middle