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From student to staff: Sumner grad supports students at middle school

From student to staff: Sumner grad supports students at middle school

When Austin Oriordan graduated from Sumner High School last year, he wasn’t finished with the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District just yet. 

He was hired in October as a new paraeducator at Sumner Middle School and now works to support students in the classroom. 

“He’s very calm and even-tempered and does such a good job with middle school kids,” said Hailey Thrush, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Sumner Middle. “He’s so kind and he’s been an amazing asset.” 

“He is a pretty amazing individual,” added Alexandra Lee, a 7th grade English Language Arts Teacher. “We are so lucky to have him at SMS.”

Austin was prepped right away for the role, thanks to the work he’d put in as a Sumner High senior to complete the Consumer Sciences Career & Technical Education pathway. Austin took Child Development, Careers with Children, and Teaching Academy classes, allowing him to graduate with his paraeducator exam certificate. 

“Doing the Teaching Academy program was amazing,” Austin said. “The first semester was great. I was able to learn about all kinds of teaching strategies. The second semester was a blast. I got the chance to work with Mrs. Smith and her incredible 8th grade students at Sumner Middle and it gave me in- person experience working in a classroom. It was a great learning experience and a great first foot forward into the teaching world. I could not recommend it more for any highschoolers interested in education.”

Staff helping student

When he heard that Sumner Middle School had a para position open, he seized the opportunity. 

“I grew up in the SBLSD and have had so many great experiences going to school here since elementary school. I've had a lot of mentors that have changed my life,” he said.

Now he gets to be that mentor for others.

“I can say without a doubt my favorite part of being a paraeducator is the bonds I form with the students. Knowing that I am making a positive difference in a student's life is very rewarding,” said Austin.

Andrew, an 8th grader at Sumner Middle, likes having Austin’s support in the classroom.

“He’s a very cool guy,” he said. “He’s very helpful because sometimes we need help with instructions.”

If any students are interested in a career in education, Austin suggests they explore Teaching Academy and other education-related class opportunities in high school. 

“My advice for current students in Teaching Academy is to take advantage of getting in- person experience in the classroom,” Austin said. “It's one thing to learn about the many different strategies of teaching, but being able to practice those strategies in a classroom is a real gift.”