Stafford named Employee of the Month

Deb Stafford, a paraprofessional at New Rockford-Sheyenne School, is February's Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Month, and for good reason. Stafford has an incredible way with the students and is known for her tough love and genuine nature.

I personally recall my morning walk to NR-S as I escorted my eldest son to his kindergarten classroom. My youngest was also in tow, making the daily trip go very slowly. Each day we saw Mrs. Stafford in the hallway, and she always offered an enthusiastic greeting, making the morning a little bit sweeter.

While that was some number of years ago, Stafford still exudes the same enthusiasm and determination today. She was nominated by Tiffany Schaefer who says, "she goes above and beyond for NRS! She works long hours to ensure teachers are prepared for days ahead and picks up slack where needed."

Stafford says it's all about passion. "I love coming to work each day. Everyday is different. Of course it's the same kids, but they have various strengths and each day offers different lessons and subjects."

Technology plays a big role in the day-to-day schedule now, as students often practice their lessons in reading and math on chromebooks. This new technology works seamlessly with Stafford's philosophy about education. "Every kid has the right to learn," she says, "As a paraprofessional, it's my responsibility to assist teachers in making that happen."

Looking back to her own days as a student, Stafford recalls, "Math was my worst subject in school, but now it's my favorite subject to teach!"

"We'll work through the steps of a problem together, the students and I. It really builds their confidence because the program will tell us if the answer is right or wrong. I tell them it's okay to get it wrong as first, as long as it leads to learning how to find the right answer," says Stafford. "They just need a little guidance and away they go."  

As elementary students experience and develop news skills in their weekly "exploration," staff have had the opportunity to share some of the subjects and skills that remain close to their hearts, leading to a whole new level of interaction between teacher and student.

At the beginning of the school year, Stafford was part of a teaching team for 40 elementary students who were ready to expand their stills in baking and cooking. She said it took a lot of planning and organization, as well as feedback from the students. The teachers and students carried on, and with limited time, limited access to ovens, extensive planning and unlimited imagination, they still whipped up some tasty creations.

Stafford says, "The hands on way of teaching is so much better for the learning than just being told what to do. Kids have some great resource since the days of the ditto!"

Stafford is in her fortieth year of education. She started her career in August 1979 at Westside Elementary School, in the building that 4th Corporation's office now occupies. In 1985, she went full-time at New Rockford School, and she has maintained her position as a paraprofessional since. She has more years ahead of her at NR-S, many more lessons to teach and many more days to brighten.

The Chamber of Commerce welcomes nominations for Employee of the Month. Have you experienced great service or know someone who consistently works to ensure that his or her customers are satisfied? Submit a nomination by filling out the card in the table tents or on the bulletin boards at local businesses, or go online to http://www.cityofnewrockford.com/chamber and download a form to complete and return it to the Transcript office.