Paraeducator draws on years of experience to offer students academic excellence and flexibility
Krista Caniano had years of experience, both as a paraeducator and in special education, before she returned to the classroom in 2019 to train the next generation of paraeducators at the Lompoc Adult School and Career Center (LASCC).
“Because I had so many years as a paraeducator myself and then made the transition to being a teacher who oversaw paraeducators, Lompoc’s administration thought that I had both sides needed for the work,” says Caniano, a program specialist in the school’s special education and auxiliary support services department.
Caniano started her own career as a paraeducator and special education teacher before she even finished college and obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2016.
“Education is a full circle journey, and it’s about our entire community”
Krista Caniano, Paraeducator and High School Diploma Instructor, Lompoc Adult School and Career Center
Caniano’s inspiration to teach comes from her son, who grew up attending special education classes but, with Caniano experience and the help of teachers,was able to eventually transition to regular high school classes. Today, her son is 23 and employed as a paraeducator for a local high school, where he works with children who have extensive support needs.
“My inspiration and my muse in everything that I do is my son,” Caniano says.
Caniano says her special education and paraeducator skills are useful in her current role.
“One of the things that I’ve noticed in this adult ed journey, coming from a special education background, is many of my students didn’t finish their high school diploma,” Caniano says. “I can tell they were probably well-behaved in high school and got overlooked and probably needed special education services.”
Caniano says instructors with special education and paraeducator backgrounds are well-equipped to handle the different accommodations for a wide range of adult students. Often, that translates to creating a balance of academic work and personal life.
“I always tell my students, I know our requirement is that you work 10 hours a week, but if there’s ever a bad week, just tell me, we can figure it out,” Caniano says.
Likewise, Caniano says the flexibility of online classes helps, but having someone who is available to meet with students in evening and late hours makes a significant difference, adding that she often meets with students outside the typical 9-5 schedule to help them with their work.
Caniano values that adult education highlights the importance of school and how, ultimately, that may uplift everyone—not just the student.
“Education is a full circle journey, and it’s about our entire community,” Caniano says.
To learn more about the Lompoc Adult School and Career Center, visit https://adulteducation.lusd.org/
Written by Chris Woodard
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| South Coast California | Careers in Education |
