Employee of the Month: Nunez keeps students engaged

It is with pleasure that we honor Alicia Nunez, Paraeducator II in the Preschool Intervention Program in the Special Education department, as the February 2022 Employee of the Month.

Alicia is an asset to her classroom located on the Jefferson Elementary School campus in Kings Canyon Unified School District. Her dedicated, kind and patient personality provide a welcoming and safe environment for the young students on the autism spectrum. Her knowledge and skills have also helped with the planning and designing of positive behavior interventions and teaching positive social and functional skills.

During home visits, parent training and Individualized Education Program meetings, Alicia translates for the Spanish-speaking parents, earning their confidence and trust in the educational system. While her teacher was deployed with the Air National Guard on special assignment, Alicia was able to set up the classroom with a thematic unit and evidence activities, such as visual schedules, Picture Exchange Communication System books and positive support plans for the substitute teachers.  She created activities to keep the students engaged and motivated to learn from the substitutes.

Outside of the classroom, Alicia is dedicated to her family, including her four children. She is the youngest of 12 siblings and one of the only ones who speaks fluent English. Because of this, she helps her family with doctor’s appointments and other important issues.

“I love what I do,” said Alicia. “Every day is different and can be challenging, but to see the little spark in children is what keeps me going.”